(M477) After that I had vsed vnto them these or the like speeches,

following that which wee had agreed vpon in councell, in respect of the

crimes which they had committed, aswel against the kings Maiesty as

against mee which was their Captaine, I commanded that they should be

hanged. Seeing therefore that there was no starting hole, nor meanes at

all to saue themselues from this arrest, they tooke themselues vnto their

prayers: yet one of the foure, thinking to raise a mutiny among my

souldiers, sayd thus vnto them: What, brethem and companions, will you

suffer vs to die so shamefully? And taking the word out of his mouth, I

sayd vnto him, that they were not companions of authours of sedition and

rebels vnto the kings seruice. (M478) Heerevpon the souldiers besought me

not to hang them, but rather let them be shot thorow, and then afterward,

if I thought good, their bodies might be hanged vpon certaine gibbets

along the hauens mouth: which I caused presently to be put into execution.

Loe here what was the end of my mutinous souldiers, without which I had

alwayes liued peaceably, and enioyed the good desire which I had to make

an happy and quiet voyage. But because I haue spoken of nothing but their

accident and aduentures which happened vnto them after their departure,

without making any mention of our fort, I will returne vnto the matters

from which I digressed, to declare that which fell out after their

departure. First, I beganne to consider to the ende I might confirme and

make myselfe more constant in mine affliction, that these murmurers could

not ground their sedition vpon want of victuals: for from the time of our

arriuall, euery souldier dayly vnto this day, and besides vntill the eight

and twentieth day of February, had a loafe of bread weighing two and

twenty ounces. Againe I recounted with my selfe that all new conquest by

sea or by land are ordinarily troubled with rebellions, which are easie to

be raised, as well in respect of the distance of place, as in respect of

the hope that the souldiers haue to make their profit, as we may be well

informed both by ancient histories and also by the troubles which lately

happened vnto Christopher Columbus, after his first discouery, to Francis

Pizarro, and Diego de Almagro in Peru, and to Fernando Cortes. An hundred

thousand other things came vnto my minde, to incourage and confirme me. My

Lieutenant Ortigny, and my Sergeant of my band came to seeke me in the

ship, where I was prisoner, and caried me from thence in a barke assoone

as our rebels were departed. (M479) After I was come vnto the fort I

caused all my company that remained, to be assembled in the midst of the

place before the Corps de garde, and declared vnto them the faults which

they that had forsaken vs had committed, praying them to beare them in

memory, to beare witnesse thereof when need should require. Foorthwith I

ordained new Captaines to command the troups; and prescribed them an

order, according whereunto they were to gouerne themselues from thence

forward, and to enter into their watch: for the greatest part of the

souldiers, of whom I had the best opinion, were gone away with them. My

declaration ended, they promised mee all with one accord to obey mee most

humbly, and to doe whatsoeuer I should command them, though it were to die

at my feet for the Kings seruice; wherein assuredly they neuer after

failed: so that I dare say, after the departure of my mutinous companions

I was as well obeyed as euer was Captaine in place where he commanded. The

next day after my returne vnto the fort, I assembled my men together

againe, to declare vnto them that our fort was not yet finished, and that

it was needfull that all of vs should put thereto our helping hands, to

assure our selues against the Indians: wherein hauing willingly agreed

vnto mee, they raised it all with turfes from the gate vnto the riuer

which is on the West side. (M480) This done, I set my Carpenters on worke

to make another barke of the same bignesse that the others were of: I

commanded the Sawyers that they should prepare plancks, the Smithes to

prepare yron and nailes, and certaine others to make coales: so that the

barke was finished in eighteene dayes. Afterward I made another lesser

then the first, the better to discouer vp the riuer. In this meane space

the Indians visited me, and brought me dayly certaine presents, as: Fish,

Deere, Turki-cocks, Leopards, little Beares, and other things according to

the place of their habitation. I recompensed them with certaine Hatchets,

Kniues, Beads of glasse, Combes, and Looking-glasses. Two Indians came

vnto me one day to salute me on the behalfe of their King, whose name was

Marracou, dwelling from the place of our fort some forty leagues toward

the South, and tolde mee that there was one in the house of King Onathaqua

which was called Barbu or the bearded man, and in the house of King

Mathiaca another man whose name they knew not, which was not of their

nation: whereupon I conceiued that these might be some Christians.

Wherefore I sent to all the kings my neighbours to pray them, that if

there were any Christian dwelling in their countreys, they would finde

meanes that he might be brought vnto mee, and that I would make them

double recompense. They which loue rewards, tooke so much paine, that the

two men, whereof we haue spoken, were brought vnto the fort vnto me.

(M481) They were naked, wearing their haire long vnto their hammes as the

Sauages vse to do, and were Spanyards borne, yet so well accustomed to the

fashion of the countrey, that at the first sight they found our maner of

apparell strange; After that I had questioned of certaine matters with

them, I caused them to be apparelled, and to cut their haire; which they

would not loose, but lapped it vp in a linnen cloth, saying that they

would cary it into their countrey to be a testimony of the misery that

they had indured in the Indies. In the haire of one of them was found a

little gold hidden, to the value of fiue and twenty crownes, which he gaue

vnto me. And examining them of the places where they had bene, and how

they came thither, they (M482) answered me that fifteene yeeres past,

three shippes, in one of which they were, were cast away ouer against a

place named Calos vpon the Flats which are called The Martyres, and that

the king of Calos recouered the greatest part of the riches which were in

the sayd shippes, trauelling in such sort that the greatest part of the

people was saued, and many women; among which number there were three or

foure women maried, remaining there yet, and their children also, with

this king of Calos. I desired to learne what this king was. They answered

me, that he was the goodliest and the tallest Indian of the countrey, a

mighty man, a warrier, and hauing many subiects vnder his obedience. They

tolde me moreouer, that he had great store of golde and siluer, so farre

foorth that in a certaine village he had a pit full thereof, which was at

the least as high as a man, and as large as a tunne: all which wealth the

Spanyards fully perswaded themselues that they could cause me to recouer,

if I were able to march thither with an hundred shot, besides that which I

might get of the common people of the countrey, which had also great store

thereof. (M483) They further also aduertised me, that the women going to

dance, did weare about their girdles plates of golde as broad as a sawcer,

and in such number that the weight did hinder them to dance at their ease;

and that the men ware the like also. The greatest part of these riches was

had, as they sayd, out of the Spanish shippes, which commonly were cast

away in this straight; and the rest by the traffique which this king of

Calos had with the other kings of the countrey: Finally, that he was had

in great reuerence of his subiects; and that hee made them beleeue that

his sorceries and charmes were the causes that made the earth bring foorth

her fruit: and that hee might the easier perswade them that it was so, he

retired himselfe once or twise a yeere to a certaine house, accompanied

with two or three of his most familiar friends, where hee vsed certaine

inchantments; and if any man intruded himselfe to goe to see what they did

in this place, the king immediatly caused him to be put to death.

Moreouer, they tolde me, that euery yeere in the time of haruest, this

Sauage king sacrificed one man, which was kept expresly for this purpose,

and taken out of the number of the Spanyards which by tempest were cast

away vpon that coast. (M484) One of these two declared vnto me, that hee

had serued him a long time for a (M485) messenger; and that oftentimes by

his commandement he had visited a king named Oathcaqua, distant from Calos

foure or fiue dayes iourney, which alwayes remained his faithfull friend:

but that in the midway there was an Island situate in a great lake of

fresh water named Sarrope, about fiue leagues in bignesse, abounding with

many sorts of fruits, specially in Dates, which growe on the Palme trees,

whereof they make a woonderfull traffique; yet not so great as a kinde of

root, whereof they make a kinde of meale, so good to make bread of, that

it is vnpossible to eate better, and that for fifteene leagues about, all

the countrey is fed therewith: which is the cause that the inhabitants of

the Isle gaine of their neighbours great wealth and profit: for they will

not depart with this root without they be well payed for it. Besides that,

they are taken for the most warlike men of all that countrey, as they made

good proofe when the king of Calos, hauing made alliance with Oathcaqua,

was depriued of Oathcaquaes daughter, which he had promised to him in

mariage. (M486) He tolde me the whole matter in this sort: As Oathcaqua

well accompanied with his people caried one of his daughters, exceeding

beautifull, according to the colour of the countrey, vnto king Calos, to

giue her vnto him for his wife, the inhabitants of this Isle aduertised of

the matter, layed an ambush for him in a place where he should passe, and

so behaued themselues that Oathcaqua was discomfited, the betrothed yoong

spouse taken, and all the damosels that accompanied her: which they caried

vnto their Isle; which thing in all the Indians countrey they esteeme to

be the greatest victory: for afterward they marry these virgins, and loue

them aboue all measure. The Spanyard that made this relation, tolde mee

that after this defeat he went to dwell with Oathcaqua, and had bene with

him full eight yeeres, euen vntill the time that he was sent vnto me. The

place of Calos is situate vpon a riuer which is beyond the Cape of

Florida, forty or fifty leagues towards the Southwest: and the dwelling of

Othcaqua is on this side the Cape toward the North, in a place which we

call in the Chart Cannaueral, which is in 28 degrees.

About the fiue and twentieth of Ianuary Paracoussy Satourioua my neighbour

sent me certaine presents by two of his subiects, to perswade me to ioyne

with him, and to make warre vpon Ouae Vtina; which was my friend: and

further besought me to retire certaine of my men which were with Vtina;

for whom if it had not beene, he had oftentimes set vpon him, and defeited

him. He besought me heerein by diuers other kings his allies, which for

three weekes or a moneths space sent messengers vnto mee to this end and

purpose: but I would not grant vnto them that they should make warre vpon

him; yea rather contrariwise I endeaured to make them friends; wherein

they condescended vnto mee, so farre foorth that they were content to

allow of any thing that I would set downe: (M487) wherevpon the two

Spanyards which of long time knew well the nature of the Indians, warned

me that in any case I should not trust vnto them, because that when they

shewed good countenance and the best cheere vnto men, then was the time

that they would surprise and betray them; and that of their nature they

were the greatest traitours and most deepe dissemblers of the world.

Besides I neuer trusted them but vpon good ground, as one that had

discouered a thousand of their crafts and subtilties, aswell by experience

as by reading of the histories of late yeres. Our two barks were not so

soone finished, but I sent Captaine Vasseur to discouer along the coast

lying toward the North, and commanded him to saile vnto a riuer, the king

whereof was called Audusta, which was lord of that place, where those of

the yere 1562 inhabited. I sent him two sutes of apparell, with certaine

hatchets, kniues, and other small trifles, the better to insinuate my

selfe into his friendship. And the better to win him, I sent in the barke

with captaine Vasseur a souldier called Aimon, which was one of them which

returned home in the first voyage, hoping that king Audusta might remember

him. (M488) But before they were imbarked I commanded them to make inquiry

what was become of another called Rouffi, which remained alone in those

parts, when Nicholas Masson and those of the first voyage imbarked

themselues to returne into France. They vnderstood at their arriuall

there, that a barke passing that way had caried away the same souldier:

and afterward I knew for a certainty that they were Spaniards which had

caried him to Hauana. (M489) The king Audusta sent me backe my barke full

of mill, with a certaine quantity of beanes, two stags, some skinnes

painted after their maner, and certaine pearles of small value, because

they were burnt: and sent me word that if I would dwel in his quarters, he

would giue me a great countrey: and that after he had gathered his mill,

he would spare me as much as I would haue. In the meane while there came

vnto our fort a flocke of stocke-doues in so great number that for the

space of seuen weeks together, that euery day wee killed with harquebush

shot two hundred in the woods about our fort.(121) After that Captaine

Vasseur was returned, I caused the two barks to be furnished againe with

souldiers and mariners, and sent them to cary a present from me vnto the

widow of king Hiocaia, whose dwelling was distant from our fort about

twelue leagues Northward. (M490) She courteously receiued our men; sent me

backe my barks full of mill and acornes with certaine baskets full of the

leaues of Cassine, wherewith they make their drinke. And the place where

this widow dwelleth is the most plentifull of mill that is in all the

coast, and the most pleasant. (M491) It is thought that the queene is the

most beautifull of all the Indians, and of whom they make most account:

yea, and her subjects honour her so much, that almost continually they

beare her on their shoulders, and will not suffer her to go on foot.

Within a few dayes after the returne of my barks, she sent to visit me by

her Hiatiqui, which is as much to say, as her interpreter. (M492) Now

while I thought I was furnished with victuals vntill the time that our

ships might come out of France (for feare of keeping my people idle) I

sent my two barks to discouer along the riuer, and vp toward the head

thereof, which went so far vp that they were thirty leagues good beyond a

place named Mathiaqua, and there they discovered the entrance of a lake,

vpon the one side whereof no land can be seene, according to the report of

the Indians, which had oftentimes climed on the highest trees in the

countrey to see land, and notwithstanding could not discerne any: which

was the cause that my men went no further, but returned backe; and in

comming home went to see the Island of Edelona, situated in the midst of

the riuer, as faire a place as any that may be seene thorow the world: for

in the space of some three leagues, that it may conteine in length and

bredth, a man may see an exceeding rich countrey, and maruellously

peopled. At the comming out of the village of Edelano to go vnto the

riuers side a man must passe thorow an alley about three hundred paces

long and fifty paces broad: on both sides wherof great tres are planted,

the boughes whereof are tied together like an arch, and meet together so

artificially that a man would thinke it were an arbour made of purpose, as

faire I say, as any in all christendome, although it be altogether

natural. Our men departing from this place rowed to Eneguape, then to

Chilily, from thence to Patica, and lastly they came vnto Coya: where

leauing their barks in a little creeke of the riuer with men to guard

them, they went to visit Vtina, which receiued them very courteously: and

when they departed from his house, he intreated them so earnestly, that

sixe of my men remained with him: of which number there was one gentleman,

named Groutald, which after he had abode there about two moneths, and

taken great paines to discouer the countrey, with another which I had left

a great while there to that intent, came vnto me to the fort, and tolde me

that he neuer saw a fairer countrey. Among other things, he reported vnto

me that he had seene a place named Hostaqua, and that the king thereof was

so mighty, that he was able to bring three or foure thousand Sauages to

the field; with whom if I would ioyne and enter into league, we might be

able to reduce all the rest of the inhabitants vnto our obedience: besides

that this king knew the passages vnto the mountaine of Apalatci, which the

French men desired so greatly to atteine vnto, and where the enemy of

Hostaqua made his abode; which was easie to be subdued, if so be wee would

enter into league together. The king sent me a plate of a minerall that

came out of this mountaine, out of the foot whereof there runneth a

streame of golde or copper, as the Sauages thinke, out of which they dig

vp the sand with an hollow and drie cane of reed vntill the cane be full;

afterward they shake it, and finde that there are many small graines of

copper and siluer among this sand: which giueth them to vnderstand, that

some rich mine must needs be in the mountaine. And because the mountaine

was not past fiue or sixe dayes iourney from our fort, lying toward the

Northwest, I determined assoone as our supply should come out of France,

to remooue our habitation vnto some riuer more toward the North, that I

might be nerer therevnto. One of my souldiers whose name was Peter Gamby,

which had remained a long space before in this countrey to learne the

languages and traffique with the Indians, at the last came to the village

of Edelano, where hauing gotten together a certaine quantitie of golde and

siluer, and purposing to returne vnto me, he prayed the king of the

village to lend him a canoa (which is a vessell made of one whole piece of

wood, which the Indians vse to fish withal, and to row vpon the riuers)

which this lord of Edelano granted him. But being greedy of the riches

which he had, he commanded two Indians, which he had charged to conduct

him in the canoa, to murder him and bring him the merchandise and the gold

which he had. Which the two traitours villanously executed: for they

knockt him on the head with an hatchet, as he was blowing of the fire in

the canoa to see the fish. (M493) The Paracoussy Vtina sent certeine dayes

afterward, to pray me to lend him a dozen or fifteene of my shot, to

inuade his enemy Potanou, and sent me word, that this enemy once

vanquished, he would make me passage, yea, and would conduct me vnto the

mountaines in such sort, that no man, should be able to hinder me. Then I

assembled my men to demand their aduice, as I was woont to do in all mine

enterprises. (M494) The greater part was of opinion, that I should do well

to send succour vnto this Paracoussy, because it would be hard for me to

discouer any further vp into the countrey without his helpe: and that the

Spanyards when they were imployed in their conquests, did alwayes enter

into alliance with some one king to ruine another. Notwithstanding,

because I did alwayes mistrust the Indians, and that the more after the

last aduertisement that the Spanyards had giuen me, I doubted lest the

small number which Vtina demanded might incurre some danger; wherefore I

sent him thirty shot vnder the charge of my Lieutenant Ottigny, which

stayed not aboue two dayes with Vtina, while he prepared victuals for his

voyage, which ordinarily and according to the custome of the countrey are

caried by women and yoong boyes, and by hermaphrodites. (M495) Vtina

setting forward with three hundred of his subiects, hauing ech of them

their bowe and quiuer full of arrowes, caused our thirty shot to be placed

in the foreward, and made them march all the day, vntill that the night

approching, and hauing not gone past halfe the way, they were inforced to

lie all night in the woods, nere a great lake, and there to incampe

themselues: they separated themselues by sixe and sixe, making ech of them

a fire about the place where their king lay, for whose guard they ordeined

a certeine number of those archers, in whom he put most confidence.

Assoone as day was come, the campe of the Indians marched within three

leagues of Potanou: there king Vtina requested my Lieutenant to grant him

foure or fiue of his men to go and discouer the countrey; which departed

immediatly, and had not gone farre, but they perceiued vpon a lake,

distant about three leagues from the village of Potanou, three Indians

which fished in a canoa. Now the custome is that when they fish in this

lake, they haue alwayes a company of watchmen, armed with bowes and

arrowes to guard the fishers. Our men being hereof aduertised by those of

the company, durst not passe any further, for feare of falling into some

ambush: wherefore they returned towards Vtina, which suddenly sent them

backe with a greater company to surprise the fishers before they might

retire and aduertise their king Potanou of the comming of his enemies.

Which they could not execute so politikely, but that two of them escaped;

the third also did the best he could to saue himselfe by swimming, in

which meane while he was stayed with shot of arrowes, and they drew him

starke dead vnto the banks side, where our Indians flayed off the skinne

of his head, cut off both his armes in the high way, reseruing his haire

for the triumph, which their king hoped to make for the defeat of his

enemy. (M496) Vtina, fearing least Potanou aduertised by the fishers which

were escaped, should put himselfe in armes to withstand him valiantly,

asked counsell of his Iawa, which is asmuch to say in their language as

his Magician, whether it were best to goe any further. (M497) Then this

Magician made certeine signes, hidious and fearefull to beholde, and vsed

certeine words: which, being ended, he sayd vnto his king, that it was not

best to passe any further, and that Potanou accompanied with two thousand

Indians at the least stayed in such and such a place for him, to bidde him

battell: and besides this, that all the sayd Indians were furnished with

cords to binde the prisoners which they made full account to take.

This relation caused Vtina to be vnwilling to passe any further: whereupon

my Lieutenant being as angry as euer he might be, because hee had taken so

great paines without doing of any thing of account, sayd vnto him, that

hee would neuer thinke well of him nor of his people, if hee would not

hazzard himselfe: and that if he would not doe it, at the least, that he

would giue him a guide to conduct him and his small company to the place

where the enemies were encamped. (M498) Heereupon Vtina was ashamed, and

seeing the good affection of Monsieur de Ottigny determined to go forward:

and he failed not to finde his enemies in the very place which the

Magician had named: where the skirmish beganne, which lasted three long

houres; wherein without doubt Vtina had beene defeated, vnlesse our

harquebusiers had not borne the burthen and brunt of all the battell, and

slaine a great number of the souldiers of Potanou, vpon which occasion

they were put to flight. Wherewithall Vtina being content for the present,

caused his people to retire and returne homeward to the great

discontentment of Monsieur de Ottigny, which desired nothing more, then to

pursue his victorie. (M499) After he was come home to his house he sent

messengers to eighteene or twentie villages of other kings his vassals,

and summoned them to be present at the feasts and dances which he purposed

to celebrate because of his victorie. In the meane while Monsieur de

Ottigny refreshed himselfe for two dayes: and then taking his leaue of the

Paracoussi, and leauing him twelue of his men to see that Potamou,

bethinking himselfe of his late losse, should not come to burne the houses

of Vtina, he set forward on his way to come vnto me vnto our Fort, where

he vp and told me how euery thing had passed: and withall that he had

promised the twelue souldiers, that he would come backe againe to fetch

them. Then the kings my neighbours all enemies to Vtina, being aduertised

of the returne of my Lieutenant, came to visite me with presents and to

enquire how things had passed, praying me all to receiue them into my

fauour, and to become enemie to Vtina, which notwithstanding I would not

grant them for many reasons that mooued me.

(M500) The Indians are wont to leaue their houses and to retire themselues

into the woods the space of three moneths, to wit Ianuary, February, and

March: during which time by no meanes a man can see one Indian. For when

they goe on hunting, they make little cottages in the woods, whereunto

they retire themselues, liuing vpon that which they take in hunting. This

was the cause that during this time, we could get no victuals by their

meanes: and had it not beene that I had made good (M501) prouision

thereof, while my men had store, vntill the end of Aprill (which was the

time when at the vttermost, we hoped to haue had succour out of France) I

should haue beene greatly amazed. This hope was the cause that the

souldiers tooke no great care to looke well vnto their victuals, although

I deuided equally among them that which I could get abroad in the

countrey, without reseruing vnto my selfe any more then the least souldier

of al the company. The moneth of May approching and no manner of succour

come out of France, we fell into extreme want of victuals, constrained to

eate the rootes of the earth and certaine sorrell which we found in the

fields. For although the Sauages were returned by this time vnto their

villages, yet they succoured vs with nothing but certaine fish, without

which assuredly wee had perished with famine. Besides they had giuen vs

before the greatest part of their maiz and of their beanes for our

marchandise. (M502) This famine held vs from the beginning of May vntill

the middest of Iune. During which time the poore souldiers and

handicraftsmen became as feeble as might be, and being not able to worke

did nothing but goe one after nothing in Centinel vnto the clift of an

hill, situate very neere vnto the Fort, to see if they might discouer any

French ship. In fine being frustrated of their hope, they assembled

altogether, and came to beseech me to take some order that they might

returne into France, considering that if we let passe the season to

embarke our selues, we were neuer like to see our countrey, where it could

not be chosen but that some troubles were fallen out, seeing they had

broken their promise made vnto vs, and that no succour was come from

thence. Thereupon it was consulted and resolued by all the company, that

the barke Breton should be trimmed vp, whereof Captaine Vasseur had

charge. But because the ship was not bigge enough to receiue vs all, some

thought good to build the Brigandine two deckes higher, which our mutinous

souldiers had brought backe, and that 25 men should hazard themselues to

passe therein into France. The rest being better aduised said that it

should be farre better to build a faire ship vpon the keele of the Galiote

which I had caused to be made, promising to labour couragiously therupon.

Then I enquired of my shipwrights to knowe in what space they could make

this shippe readie. They assured the whole company that being furnished

with all things necessarie they would make it readie by the 8. of August.

Immediatly I disposed of the time to worke vpon it, I gaue charge to

Monsieur de Ottigny my Lieutenant to cause timber necessary for the

finishing of both the vessels to be brought, and to Monsieur de Arlac my

Standart-bearer to goe with a barke a league off from the Fort to cut

downe trees fit to make plankes, and to cause the sawiers which he carried

with him to saw them: and to my Sergeant of the company to cause fifteene

or sixteene men to labour in making coales: and to Master Hance keeper of

the Artillery, and to the gunner to gather store of rosen to bray the

vessels: wherein he vsed such diligence, that in lesse then 3 weekes he

gathered 2 hogs-heads of the same together. There remained now but the

principal, which was to recouer victuals to sustaine vs while our worke

endured: which I vndertooke to doe with the rest of my company and the

Mariners of the ship. To this end I embarked my selfe making vp the

thirtieth in my great barke, to make a voyage of forty or fifty leagues,

hauing with vs no prouision at all of victuals: whereby it may easily he

gathered how simply those of our Fort were prouided. True it is that

certaine souldiers being better husbandes then the rest, and hauing made

some prouision of mast, solde a little measure thereof for fifteene and

twentie sous vnto their companions. During our voyage we liued of nothing

else but raspices, of a certaine round graine little and blacke, and of

the rootes of palmitos which we got by the riuer sides: wherein after we

had sayled a long time in vaine, I was constrained to returne to the Fort:

where the souldiers beginning to be wearie of working, because of the

extreme famine which did consume them, assembled themselues and declared

vnto me, that seeing we could get no victuals of the Indians, it was

expedient for the sauing of their liues, to seaze vpon the person of one

of the Kings of the Countrey: assuring themselues that one being taken,

the subiects would not suffer our men to want victuals. I made them

answere that this enterprise was not rashly to be attempted: But that wee

ought to haue good regarde vnto the consequence that might insue thereof.

Hereupon they replyed vnto me, that seeing the time was past of our

succour from France, and that we were resolued to abandon the Countrie,

that there was no danger to constraine the Sauages to furnish vs with

victuals: which for the present I would not grant vnto them, but promised

them assuredly that I would send to aduertise the Indians that they should

bring me victuals for exchange of marchandise and apparell: which they

also did for the space of certaine daies, during which they brought of

their mast and of their fish: (M503) which these Indians being traiterous

and mischieuous of nature and knowing our exceeding strange famine, sold

vs at so deere a price, for that lesse then nothing they had gotten from

vs all the rest of our marchandise which remained. And which was worse,

fearing to be forced by vs and seeing that they had gotten all from vs,

they came no neere to our Fort then the shot of an Harquebuze. Thither

they brought their fish in their little boats, to which our poore

souldiers were constrained to goe, and oftentimes (as I haue seene) to

giue away the very shirts from their backs to get one fish. If at any time

they shewed vnto the Sauages the excessiue price which they tooke, these

villaines would answere them roughly and churlishly: if thou make so great

account of thy merchandise, eat it, and we will eat our fish: then fell

they out laughing and mocked vs with open throat. Whereupon our souldiers

vtterly impatient, were oftentimes ready to cut them in pieces, and to

make them pay the price of their foolish arrogancy. Notwithstanding

considering the importance hereof, I tooke paines to appease the impatient

souldier: for I would not by any meanes enter into question with the

Sauages, and it suffised me to delay the time. Wherefore I deuised to send

vnto Vtina, to pray him to deale so farre foorth with his subiects, as to

succour me with mast and maiz: which he did very sparingly, sending me 12

or 15 baskets of mast, and two of pinocks, which are a kind of little

greene fruits which grow among the weedes in the riuer, and are as big as

cheries: yea, and this was not but by giuing of them in exchange twise as

much marchandise and apparell as they were worth. For the subiectes of

Vtina perceiued euidently the necessitie wherein we were, and began to vse

the like speech vnto vs, as the others did: as it is commonly seene that

neede altereth mens affections. While these things were in doing, a

certaine breathing space presented it selfe for Vtina gaue me to

vnderstand that there was a king his subiect whose name was Astina, which

he determined to take prisoner, and to chastise him for his disobedience:

that for this cause if I would giue him aide with a certaine number of my

souldiers, he would bring them to the village of Astina, where there was

meanes to recouer mast and maiz. In the meane season he excused himselfe

vnto me because he had sent me no more maiz, and sent me word that the

little store he had left was scarcely sufficient for his seede-corne. Now

being relieued, as I thought, by the hope which I had of this offer, I

would not faile to send him the men which he had desired of me, which

neuerthelesse were very euill intreated: for he deceiued them, and in

stead of leading them against Astina, he caused them to march against his

other enemies. My Lieutenant which had the charge of this enterprise with

Captaine Vasseur, and my Sergeant was determined to be reuenged of Vtina

and to cut him to pieces and his people: and had it not bene that they

feared to do any thing against my wil, without all doubt they would haue

put their enterprise in execution. Therefore they would not passe any

further without aduertising me thereof. Wherefore being come backe againe

vnto the Fort, angry and pricked deeply to the quicke for being so mocked,

they made their complaints vnto me, declaring vnto me that they were

almost dead for hunger. They told the whole matter to the rest of the

souldiers, which were very glad that they had not entred into that action,

and resolued, assembling themselues againe together, to let me vnderstand

that they did persist in their first deliberation, which was, to punish

the boldnesse and maliciousnes of the Sauages, which they could no longer

endure, and were determined to take one of their kings prisoner: which

thing I was enforced to grant vnto them to the ende to auoid a greater

mischiefe, and the sedition which I foresaw would ensue, if I had made

refusall thereof. For, sayd they, what occasion haue you to deny vs,

considering the necessitie wherein we are, and the small account that they

make of vs. Shall it not be lawfull for vs to punish them for the wrongs

which they doe vnto vs, besides that we know apparently how little they

respect vs? Is not this sufficient although there were no necessitie at

all, since they thus delude vs, and haue broken promise with vs? After I

had therefore resolued with them to seaze vpon the person of Vtina, which

besides that he had giuen vs occasion hereof, was also most able to help

vs to recouer victualls, I departed with fiftie of my best souldiers all

embarked in two Barkes and wee arriued in the dominions of Vtina, distant

from our Fort about 40 or 50 leagues: (M504) then going on shore we drew

towards his village situated 6 leagues from the riuer, where we tooke him

prisoner, howbeit not without great cries and alarmes, and led him away in

our barkes, hauing first signified vnto his Father in law and his chiefe

subiects, that in that I had taken him, it was not for any desire that I

had to doe him any harme, but onely to relieue my necessitie and want of

victuals which oppressed me, and that in case they would helpe me to some,

I would find meanes to set him againe at libertie: that in the meane space

I would retire myselfe into my Barkes (for I feared least they would there

assemble themselues together, and that some mischiefe might thereof insue)

where I would stay for him two dayes to receiue his answere:

notwithstanding that my meaning was not to haue any thing without exchange

of marchandise. This they promised they would doe. And in very deede the

very same euening, his wife accompanied with all the women of the village

came vnto the riuers brinke, and cryed vnto me to enter into the barke, to

see her husband and her sonne, which I held both prisoners. I discovered

the next day fiue or sixe hundred Indian archers, which drew neere vnto

the riuer side, and came to me to signifie vnto me how that during the

absence of their king, their enemie Potanou, being thereof aduertised, was

entred into their village and had set all on fire. They prayed me that I

would succour them: neuerthelesse in the mean while they had one part of

their troope in ambush, with intent to set vpon me if I had come on land,

which was easie for me to discerne. For seeing that I refused so to doe,

they greatly doubted that they were discouered, and sought by all meanes

to remooue out of my minde that euill opinion which I had conceiued of

them. They brought mee therefore fish in their little boates and of their

meale of Mast, they made also of their drinke which they call cassine,

which they sent to Vtina and we.

Now albeit I had gotten this point of them that I held their king

prisoner, yet neuerthelesse I could not get any great quantity of victuals

for the present: the reason was, because they thought that after I had

drawen victuals from them, I would put their king to death. For they

measured my wil according to their custome whereby they put to death all

the men prisoners that they take in warre. And thus being out of all hope

of his libertie, they assembled themselues in a great house, and hauing

called all the people together they proposed the election of a new king,

at which time the Father in lawe of Vtina set one of the kings young

sonnes vpon the Royall throne: and tooke such paynes that euery man did

him homage by the maior part of the voyces. This election had like to haue

bene the cause of great troubles among them. For there was a kinsman of

the kings neere adioyning, which pretended a Title to the kingdome, and in

deede he had gotten one part of the subiects: notwithstanding this

enterprise could not take effect, forasmuch as by a common consent of the

chiefe, it was consulted and concluded, that the sonne was more meete to

succeede the Father then any other. Now all this while I kept Vtina with

me, to whom I had giuen some of mine apparell to cloth him, as I had

likewise done vnto the sonne. But his subiects which before had an opinion

that I would haue killed him, being aduertised of the good entertainment

which I vsed towards him, sent two men which walked along the riuer, and

came to visite him, and brought vs some victuals. These two men at their

comming were receiued by me with all courtesie, and entertained according

to the victuals which I had. While these things thus passed, there arriued

from all quarters many Sauages of the countries adioyning, which came to

see Vtina, and sought by all meanes to perswade me to put him to death,

offering that if I would do so, they would take order that I should want

no victuals. (M505) There was also a king my neighbour whose name was

Saturioua, a subtile and crafty man and one that shewed by proofe that he

was greatly practised in affaires. This King sent me ordinarily messengers

vnto me, to pray me to deliuer Vtina vnto him: and to win me the more

easily, he sent twise seuen or eight baskets of Maiz or of Mast thinking

by this means to allure me, and to make me come to composition with him:

in the end notwithstanding when he saw he lost his time, he ceased to

visite me with ambassages and victuals: and in the meane while I was not

able with the same store of victuals which I had, so well to proportion

out the trauaile vpon the ships which we built to returne into France, but

that in the end we were constrained to endure extreme famine, which

continued among vs all the moneth of May: (M506) for in this latter

season, neither Maiz nor Beanes, nor Mast was to be found in the villages,

because they had employed all for to sowe their fields, insomuch that we

were constrayned to eate rootes, which the most part of our men punned in

the morters which I had brought with me to beate gunnepowder in, and the

graine which came to vs from other places: some tooke the wood of Esquine,

beate it, and made meale thereof, which they boyled with water, and eate

it: others went with their harquebusies to seeke to kill some foule. Yea

this miserie was so great, that one was found that gathered vp among the

filth of my house, all the fish bones that he could finde, which he dried

and beate into powder to make bread thereof. The effects of this hideous

famine appeared incontinently among vs, for our bones eftsoones beganne to

cleaue so neere vnto the skinne, that the most part of the souldiers had

their skinnes pierced thorow with them in many partes of their bodies: in

such sort that my greatest feare was, least the Indians would rise vp

against vs, considering that it would haue bene very hard for vs to haue

defended our selues in such extreme decay of all our forces, besides the

scarsitie of all victuals, which fayled vs all at once. For the very riuer

had not such plentie of fish as it was wont, and it seemed that the land

and water did fight against vs. (M507) Now as we were thus vpon termes of

dispayre, about the end of the moneth of May and the beginning of Iune, I

was aduertised by certaine Indians that were my neighbours, that in the

high Countrey vp aboue the riuer, there was new Maiz, and that that

countrey was most forward of all. This caused me to take vpon me to go

thither with a certaine number of my men, and I went vp the riuer to a

place called Enecaque: where I met the sister of Vtina in a village where

she made vs very good cheere and sent vs fish. We found that which was

tolde vs to be true: for the maiz was now ripe: but by this good lucke one

shrewde turne happened vnto me. For the most part of my souldiers fell

sicke with eating more of it then their weakened stomackes could digest.

(M508) We had also beene the space of foure dayes since we departed from

our Fort, without eating any thing, sauing little pinockes, and a little

fish, which we got of the fishers which wee met sometimes along the riuer.

And yet this was so little that certaine souldiers eate priuily little

whelpes which were newly whelped. The next day I purposed to go into the

Ile of Edelano to take the king which had caused one of my men to be

slaine, as I haue mentioned before: but being aduertised of my departing

out of my Fort, and of the way which I tooke vp the riuer, he feared that

I went foorth with a purpose to be reuenged of the euill turne which he

played: so that when I came thither I found the houses emptie, for he was

retyred a little before with all his people: and I could not by any meanes

keepe my souldiers, being angry because they had lost one of their

companions, from setting the village on fire. At my departure from thence

I passed backe againe by Enecaque, where I gathered as much maiz as I

could possibly: which with great diligence I conueied to our Fort to

succour my poore men, which I had left in great necessitie. They therefore

seeing me a farre off comming, ranne to that side of the riuer where they

thought I would come on land: for hunger so pinched them to the heart,

that they could not stay vntill the victuals were brought them to the

Fort. And that they well shewed assoone as I was come, and that I had

distributed that little maiz among them, which I had giuen to ech man,

before I came out of the barke: for they eate it before they had taken it

out of the huske. But seeing my selfe in this extreme nede, I tooke paines

day by day to seeke some villages where there was some food. (M509) And as

I trauailed this way and that way, it happened that two of my Carpenters

were killed by the two sonnes of king Emola, and by one whose name was

Casti, as they went on walking to the village called Athore. The cause of

this murder was, because they could not refraine themselues as they walked

through the fields from gathering a little maiz, which as they were doing,

they were taken in the maner: wherof I was presently aduertised by an

Indian which a little before had brought me a present from Nia Cubacani

Queene of a village, and neighbour to our Fort. Vpon receipt of this

aduertisement, I sent my Sergeant with a number of souldiers which found

nothing else but the 2 dead corpses, which they buried and returned

without doing any other exploit, because the inhabitants were fled away,

fearing they should be punished for such a foule fact. As these things

thus passed, and that by this time we had almost driuen out the moneth of

May, two subjects of king Vtina came vnto me with an Hermaphrodite, which

shewed mee that by this time the maiz was ripe in the greatest part of

their quarters. Whereupon Vtina signified vnto me that in case I would

carrie him home to his house, he would take such good order that I should

haue plentie of maiz and beanes: and withall, that the field which he had

caused to be sowen for me, should be reserued to my vse. I consulted with

my men concerning this matter, and found by the aduice of all my company,

that it was best to grant him his request, saying that he had meanes to

succour vs with food sufficient to serue our turnes for our embarkement,

and that therefore I might do well to carry him home. (M510) Wherefore I

caused the two barks forthwith to be made readie, wherein I sailed to

Patica, a place distant from his village 8 or 9 leagues, where I found no

bodie, for they were gotten into the woods, and would not shew themselues,

albeit Vtina shewed himselfe vnto them, for as much as they imagined that

I should be constrained to let him go. But seeing no body to shew

themselues, I was constrained to hazard one of my men which had bene

acquainted with the state of the countrie, to whom I deliuered the young

sonne of Vtina, and commanded him to goe with diligence to the village of

Vtina, vnto his father in law and his wife, to aduertise them that if they

would haue their king againe, they should bring me victuals vnto the side

of the little riuer whither I was gone. At my mans comming euery one made

much of the little childe, neither was there a man that thought not

himselfe well appaide to touch him. His father in law and his wife hearing

of these newes came presently towards our barkes, and brought bread which

they gaue vnto my souldiers, they held me there three dayes, and in the

meane while did all that they could to take me: which presently I

discouered, and therefore stood diligently vpon my gard. Wherefore

perceiuing they could not haue their purpose, and that they were already

discouered, they sent to aduertise me that as yet they could not helpe me

to victuals, and that the corne was not yet ripe. Thus I was constrained

to returne and to carry backe Vtina home, where I had much adoe to saue

him from the rage of my souldiers: which perceiuing the maliciousnes of

the Indians, went about to haue murdered him. Moreouer it seemed they were

content that they had gotten the sonne, and that they cared not greatly

for the father. Now my hope fayling me on this side, I deuised to send my

men to the villages where I thought the maiz was by this time ripe; I went

to diuers places, and continued so doing 15 daies after, when as Vtina

besought me again to send him vnto his village, assuring himselfe that his

subiects would not sticke to giue me victuals: and that in case they

refused so to do, he was content that I should do what I thought good with

him. I vndertooke this voyage the second time, the two barkes furnished as

before. At my comming vnto the little riuer, we found his subiects there,

which failed not to come thither with some quantitie of bread, beanes, and

fish, to giue my souldiers. Neuerthelesse returning againe to (M511) their

former practise they sought all meanes to entrap me, hoping to cry

quittance for the imprisonment of their king if they might haue gotten the

victorie of me. But after that they sawe the small meanes, which they had

to annoy me, they returned to intreaties, and offered that if I would giue

them their king with certaine of my souldiers, they would conduct them

vnto the village, and that the subiects seeing him, would be more willing

to giue vs victuals. Which thing notwithstanding I would not grant vnto

them (mistrusting their subtilitie, which was not so couert,) vntill they

had first giuen me two men in pledge with charge that by the next day they

should bring me victuals. Which thing they granted, and gaue mee two men

which I put in chaines for feare they should escape away, as I knew well

they were instructed to doe. Foure dayes were spent in these conferences,

at the end whereof they declared vnto me, that they could not fully and

wholly performe their promise: and that the vttermost that they could doe

for the present, was to cause ech subiect to bring his burthen of mill. To

conclude, they were content to doe so on condition that I would send them

their two pledges within ten dayes. (M512) As my Lieutenant was ready to

depart, I warned him aboue all things to take heede he fell not into the

Indians hands: because I knew them to be very subtill and craftie to

enterprize and execute any thing to our disaduantage. He departed

therefore with his troope, and came to the small riuer whereinto we were

accustomed to enter to approch as neere as we could vnto the village of

Vtina, being sixe French leagues distant from thence. There he went on

shore, put his men in good array, and drew streight towards the great

house that was the kings, where the chiefe men of the countrey were

assembled, which caused very great store of victuals to be brought now one

and then another, in doing whereof they spent notwithstanding three or

foure dayes: in which meane while they gathered men together, to set vpon

vs in our retreit. They vsed therefore many meanes to holde vs still in

breath. (M513) For one while they demanded their pledges, another while

(seeing my Lieutenant would not yeeld to them, vntill such time as they

had brought the victuals vnto the boats; according to the agreement passed

betwene vs) they signified vnto him that the women and young children were

afraide out of all measure to see fire in their matches so neere their

harquebuses: and that therefore they most earnestly besought them to put

them out, that they might more easily get people ynough to carry the

victuals, and that they for their partes would leaue their bowes and

arrowes, and would be contented that their seruants should carrie them.

This second request was as flatly denied them as the former: For it was an

easie matter to smel out their intention. But while these things were thus

in handling, Vtina by no meanes was to be seene, but hid and kept himselfe

secret in a little house apart, where certaine chosen men of mine went to

see him shewing themselues agreeued with him for the long delayes of his

subiectes: whereunto he answered, that his subiectes were so much incensed

against vs, that by no meanes possible he was able to keepe them in such

obedience as he willingly would haue done, and that he could not hold them

from waging of warre against Monsieur de Ottigny. (M514) That he also

called to minde, that euen while he was prisoner, at what time our men

ledde him into his Countrey to obtaine some victuals, he saw along the

high wayes arrowes stucke vp, at the endes whereof long haires were

fastened, which was a certaine signe of open warre proclaimed, which

arrowes the Captaine also carried with him to the fort. He said further

that in respect of the good will he bare to the Captaine, he forewarned

his Lieutenant that his subiectes were determined to cut downe the trees,

and cause them to fall a thwart the little riuer where the boates were, to

keepe them from departing thence, that they might fight with them at their

ease, and that if it thus fell out, he assured him for his part he would

not be there to meddle in the matter. And that which much more augmented

the suspition of warre was, that as my messengers departed from Vtina,

they heard the voyce of one of my men which during the voyage had alwayes

beene among the Indians, and whom as yet they would neuer render, vntill

they had gotten their pledges home. This poore fellow cryed out amaine

because two Indians would haue carried him into the woods to haue cut his

throat: whereupon he was succoured and deliuered. These admonitions being

well vnderstoode, after ripe deliberation thereof Monsieur de Ottigny

resolued to retire himselfe the seuen and twentieth of Iuly. Wherefore he

set his souldiers in order, and deliuered to ech of them a sacke full of

mill: and afterward hee marched toward his barkes, thinking to preuent the

enterprise of the sauages. There is at the comming forth of the village a

great alley about three or foure hundred paces long, which is couered on

both sides with great trees. My Lieutentent disposed his men in this alley

and set them in such order as they desired to march: for he was well

assured that if there were any ambush, it would be at the comming out of

the trees. Therefore he caused Monsieur de Arlac mine Ensigne to march

some what before with 8 harquebusiers to discouer whether there were any

danger; besides he commanded one of my Sergeants and Corporals to march on

the out side of the alley with foure harquebusiers while he himselfe

conducted the rest of his company through it. (M515) Now as he suspected,

so it fell out: for Monsieur de Arlac met with two or three hundred

Indians at the end of the alley, which saluted him with an infinite number

of their arrowes, and with such furie that it was easie to see with what

desire they sought to charge vs. Howbeit they were so well sustained in

the first assault which mine Ensigne gaue them, that they which fell downe

dead, did somewhat abate the choler of those which remained aliue. This

done my Lieutenant hasted to gaine ground in such sort as I haue already

said. (M516) After he had marched about foure hundred paces, he was

charged afresh with a newe troope of Sauages which were in number about

300, which assayled him before, while the rest of the former set vpon him

behind. This second assault was so valiantly sustained, that I may iustly

say that Monsieur de Ottigny so well discharged his dutie as was possible

for a good Captaine to doe. And so it stood them vpon: for he had to deal

with such kind of men, as knewe well how to fight and to obey their head

which conducted them, and which knewe so well to behaue themselues in this

conflict, as if Ottigny had not preuented their practise, he had beene in

danger to haue beene defeated. (M517) Their maner in this fight was, that

when two hundred had shot, they retyred themselues and gaue place to the

rest that were behind, and all the while had their eye and foote so quicke

and readie, that assoone as euer they saw the harquebuze laide to the

cheeke, so soone were they on the ground, and eftsoone vp to answere with

their bowes and to flie their way, if by chance they perceiued we went

about to take them: for there is nothing that they feare so much, because

of our swords and daggers. This conflict continued and lasted from nine of

the clocke in the morning, vntill the night departed them. And if Ottigny

had not bethought himselfe to cause his men to breake the arrowes which

they found in their way, and so to depriue the Sauages of the meanes to

beginne againe, without all doubt he should haue had very much to do: for

by this mean they lacked arrowes, and so were constrayned to retire

themselues. During the time of the conflict they cryed and made signes

that they were the Captaines and Lieutenants friends: and that they fought

for none other cause but to be reuenged on the Souldiers, which were their

mortall enemies. My Lieutenant being come vnto his boates tooke a reuiew

of his companie, and found two men wanting which were killed, of whom the

one was called Iames Sale, and the others name was Mesurer. He found

moreouer 22 of them wounded, which with much adoe he caused to be brought

vnto the boates. All the mill that he found among his company came but to

two mens burdens, which he deuided equally among them. For assoone as the

conflict began, euery man was constrained to leaue his sacke to put his

hand to his weapon. In this meane while I remained at the Forte, and

caused euery man diligently to trauell, hoping that my Lieutenant would

bring vs victuals. But seeing the time consume away, I began to suspect

the truth of that which fell out, whereof I was assured immediately after

at their returne. Seeing therefore mine hope frustrate on that side, I

made my prayer vnto God, and thanked him of his grace which hee had shewed

vnto my poore souldiers which were escaped: Afterward I thought vpon newe

meanes to obtaine victuals, aswell for our returne into France, as to

driue out the time vntill our embarking. I was aduertised by certaine of

our company, which vsually went on hunting into the woods and through the

villages, that in the village Sarauahi situated on the other side of the

riuer, and two leagues distant from the Forte, and in the village Emoloa

there were fields wherein the mill was very forward, and that there was

thereof in those partes in great abundance. Wherefore I caused my boates

to be made ready, and sent my Sergeant thither with certaine Souldiers

which vsed such diligence, that wee had great store of mill. I sent also

to the Riuer which the Sauages call Iracana, named by Captaine Ribault the

Riuer of Somme, where Captaine Vasseur and my Sergeant arriued with two

boates and their ordinary furniture, and found there a great assembly of

the Lords of the Countrey, among whome was Athore the sonne of Satourioua,

Apalou, and Tacadocorou, which were there assembled to make merrie:

because in this place are the fairest maids and women of the countrey.

(M518) Captaine Vasseur in my name gaue certaine small trifles to all the

Lords, to the Queene, to the maids and women of the villages. Wherevpon

the boates were foorthwith laden with mill, after they had made our men as

good cheere as they could deuise. The Queene sent me two small Mats so

artificially wrought as it was vnpossible to make better. Nowe finding

ourselues by this meane sufficiently furnished with victuals, we beganne

each of vs in his place, to trauaile and vse such diligence, as the desire

to see our natiue countrey might mooue vs. But because two of our

Carpenters were slaine by the Indians (as heretofore I mentioned) Iohn de

Hais, master Carpenter, a man very worthy of his vocation, repaired vnto

me and tolde me that by reasom of want of men hee was not able to make me

vp the ship against the time that he had promised me: which speech caused

a mutinie among the souldiers that very hardly he escaped killing: howbeit

I appeased them as well as I could, and determined to worke no more from

thencefoorth vpon the shippe, but to content our selues to repaire the

Brigandine which I had. (M519) So we began to beate downe all the houses

that were without the Fort, and caused coles to be made of the timber

thereof: likewise the souldiers beate downe the pallisade which was toward

the waters side, neither was I euer able to keepe them from doing it. I

had also determined to beat downe the Fort before my departure and to set

it on fire, for feare least some new-come guest should haue enioyed and

possessed it. In the meane while there was none of vs to whom it was not

an extreme griefe to leaue a countrey, wherein wee had endured so great

trauailes and necessities, to discouer that which we must forsake through

our owne countreymens deficit. (M520) For if wee had bene succoured in

time and place, and according to the promise that was made vnto vs, the

warre which was betweene vs and Vtina, had not fallen out, neither should

wee haue had occasion to offend the Indians, which with all paines in the

world I entertained in good amitie, aswell with merchandise and apparel,

as with promise of greater matters, and with whom I so behaued myself,

that (M521) although sometimes I was constrained to take victuals in some

few villages, yet I lost not the alliance of eight Kings and Lords my

neighbours, which continually succoured and ayded me with whatsoeuer they

were able to afford. (M522) Yea this was the principall scope of all my

purposes, to winne and entertaine them, knowing how greatly their amitie

might aduance our enterprise, and principally while I discouered the

commodities of the countrey, and sought to strengthen my selfe therein.

(M523) I leaue it to your cogitation to thinke how neere it went to our

hearts, to leaue a place abounding in riches (as we were throughly

enformed thereof) in comming whereunto, and doing seruice vnto our Prince,

we left our owne countrey, wiues, children, parents, and friends, and

passed the perils of the sea and were therein arriued, as in a plentifull

treasure of all our hearts desire. (M524) As ech of vs were much tormented

in minde with these or such like cogitations, the third of August I

descried foure sayles in the sea, as I walked vpon a little hill, whereof

I was exceeding well apaid: I sent immediately one of them which were with

me to aduertise those of the Fort thereof, which were so glad of those

newes, that one would haue thought them to bee out of their wittes to see

them laugh and leape for ioy. After these ships had cast anker, we

descried that they sent one of their ship boates to land: whereupon I

caused one of mine to be armed with diligence to send to meete them, and

to know who they were. In the meane while, fearing lest they were

Spaniards, I set my souldiers in order and in readinesse, attending the

returne of Captaine Vasseur and my Lieutenant, which were gone to meete

them, which brought me word that they were Englishmen: (M525) and in

trueth they had in their company one whose name was Martine Atinas of

Diepe, which at that time was in their seruice, which on the behalfe of

Master Iohn Hawkins their Generall came to request mee that I would suffer

them to take fresh water, whereof they stood in great neede, signifying

vnto me that they had bene aboue fifteene dayes on the coast to get some.

Hee brought vnto mee from the Generall two flagons of wine, and bread made

of wheate: which greatly refreshed me, forasmuch as for seuen moneths

space I neuer tasted a drop of wine: neuerthelesse it was all diuided

among the greatest part of my souldiers. This Martine Atinas had guided

the Englishmen vnto our coast, wherewith he was acquainted: for in the

yeere 1562 he came thither with me, and therefore the Generall sent him to

me. Therefore after I had granted his request, hee signified the same vnto

the Generall, which the next day following caused one of his small shippes

to enter into the riuer, and came to see me in a great shipboate,

accompanied with gentlemen honourably apparelled, yet vnarmed. (M526) He

sent for great store of bread and wine, to distribute thereof to euery

one: On my part I made him the best cheere I could possibly, and caused

certaine sheepe and poultry to be killed, which vntill this present I had

carefully preserued hoping store the countrey withall. For notwithstanding

all the necessities and sicknesse that happened vnto me, I would not

suffer so much as one chicken to be killed: by which meanes in a short

time I had gathered together aboue an hundred pullets. (M527) Nowe three

dayes passed, while the English General remained with me, during which

time the Indians came in from all parts to see him, and asked me whether

he were my brother: I tolde him he was so, and signified vnto them, that

he was come to see me and ayde me with so great store of victuals, that

from thence forward I should haue no neede to take any thing of them. The

bruite hereof incontinently was spread ouer all the countrey, in such sort

as Ambassadours came vnto me from all parts, which on the behalfe of the

kings their masters desired to make alliance with me: and euen they, which

before sought to make warre against me, came to offer their friendship and

seruice vnto me: Whereupon I receiued them and gratified them with

certaine presents. The General immediately vnderstood the desire and

vrgent occasion which I had to returne into France: whereupon he offred to

transport me and all my company home: whereunto notwithstanding I would

not agree, being in doubt vpon what occasion he made so large an offer.

(M528) For I knewe not how the case stood betweene the French and the

English: and although hee promised me on his faith to put mee on land in

France, before hee would touch in England, yet I stood in doubt least he

would attempt somewhat in Florida in the name of his mistresse. Wherfore I

flatly refused his offer: whereupon there arose a great mutinie among my

souldiers, which sayd that I sought to destroy them all, and that the

Brigandine, wherof I spake before, was not sufficient to transport them,

considering the season of the yeere wherein wee were. The bruite and

mutiny increased more and more: for after that the Generall was returned

to his ships, he told certaine gentlemen and souldiers which went to see

him, partly to make good cheere with him, hee declared, I say vnto them,

that he greatly doubted that hardly we should be able to passe safely in

those vessels which we had: and that in case we should enterprise the

same, we should no doubt be in great ieopardy: notwithstanding, if I were

so contented, he would transport part of my men in his ships, and that he

would leaue me a small ship to transport the rest. The souldiers were no

sooner come home, but they signified the offer vnto their companions,

which incontinently consented together that in case I would not accept the

same, they would embarke themselues with him and forsake mee, so that he

would receiue them according to his promise. They therefore assembled

themselues all together and came to seeke me in my chamber, and signified

vnto me their intention, wherunto I promised to answere within one houre

after. In which meane space I gathered together the principall members of

my company, which after I had broken the matter with them, answered me all

with one voyce, that I ought not to refuse this offer, nor contemne the

occasion which presented it selfe, and that they could not thinke euill of

it in France, if being forsaken, as we were, we aided our selues with such

means as God had sent vs. (M529) After sundry debatings of this matter, in

conclusion I gaue mine aduise, that wee ought to deliuer him the price of

the ship which he was to leaue vs, and that for my part I was content to

giue him the best of my stuffe, and the siluer which I had gathered in the

countrey. (M530) Wherupon notwithstanding it was determined that I should

keepe the siluer, for feare lest the Queene of England seeing the same,

should the rather bee encouraged to set footing there, as before she had

desired: that it was far better to carie it into France to giue

encouragement vnto our Princes not to leaue off an enterprise of so great

importance for our commonwealth, and that seeing wee were resolued to

depart, it was farre better to giue him our Artillerie, which otherwise we

should be constrained to leaue behinde vs, or to hide it in the ground by

reason of the weakenesse of our men, being not able to embarke the same.

This point being thus concluded and resolued on, I went myselfe vnto the

English Generall, accompanied with my Lieutenant, and Captaine Vasseur,

Captaine Verdier, and Trenchant the Pilot, and my Sergeant, all men of

experience in such affaires, and knowing sufficiently how to driue such a

bargaine. We therefore tooke a view of the ship which the Generall would

sell, whom we drew to such reason, that he was content to stand to mine

owne mens iudgement, who esteemed it to be worth seuen hundreth crownes,

whereof we agreed very friendly. Wherefore I deliuered him in earnest of

the summe, two bastards, two mynions, one thousand of iron, and one

thousand of powder. (M531) This bargain thus made, he considered the

necessity wherin we were, hauing for all our sustenance but mill and

water: wherupon being mooued with pitie, he offered to relieue me with 20

barels of meale, sixe pipes of beanes, one hogshead of salt, and a hundred

of waxe to make candels. Moreouer forasmuch as he sawe my souldiers goe

bare foote, he offered me besides fifty paires of shoes, which I accepted

and agreed of a price with him, and gaue him a bill of mine hand for the

same, for which vntill this present I am indebted to him. He did more then

this: for particularly he bestowed vpon my selfe a great iarre of oyle, a

iarre of viniger, a barrell of Oliues, and a great quantitie of Rice, and

a barrell of white Biscuit. Besides he gaue diuers presents to the

principall Officers of my company according to their qualities: so that I

may say that we receiued as many courtesies of the Generall as it were

possible to receiue of any man liuing. Wherein doubtlesse he hath wonne

the reputation of a good and charitable man, deseruing to be esteemed

asmuch of vs all as if he had saued all our liues. (M532) Incontinent

after his departure I spared no paine to hasten my men to make biscuits of

the meale which he had left me, and to hoope my caske to take in water

needfull for the voyage. A man may well thinke what diligence we vsed, in

respect of the great desire we had to depart, wherein we continued so well

that the fifteenth day of August the biscuit, the greatest part of our

water, and all the souldiers stuffe was brought aboord: so that from that

day forward wee did nothing but stay for good windes to driue vs to

France: which had freed vs from an infinite number of mischiefes which

afterward we suffred, if they had come as we desired: but it was not Gods

good pleasure, as shall appeare hereafter. Being thus in readinesse to set

sayle, we bethought ourselues that it would doe well to bring certaine men

and women of the countrey into France, to the ende that if this voyage

should be taken in hand againe they might declare vnto their Kings the

greatnesse of our King, the excellencie of our Princes, the goodnesse of

our Countrey, and the maner of liuing of the Frenchmen: and that they

might also learne our language, to serue our turnes thereby in time to

come. Wherein I tooke so good order, that I found meanes to bring away

with me the goodliest persons of all the countrey, if our intentions had

succeeded as I hoped they would haue done. In the mean season the Kings my

neighbours came often to see and visite me: which, that after they

vnderstoode that I would returne into France, demaunded of mee whether I

meant to returne againe or no, and whether it should be in short time. I

signified vnto them that within tenne Moones (so they call their Moneths)

I would visite them againe with such force, that I would be able to make

them Conquerors ouer all their enemies. They prayed me that I would leaue

them my house, that I would forbid my souldiers to beate downe the Fort

and their lodgings, and that I would leaue them a boate to ayde them

withall in their warre against their enemies. Which I made as though I

would grant vnto them, to the ende I might alwaies remaine their friend

vntil my last departure.

The third voyage of the Frenshmen made by Captaine Iohn Ribault vnto

Florida.

(M533) As I was thus occupied in these conferences, the winde and the tide

serued well to set sayle, which was the eight and twentieth of August, at

which instant Captaine Vasseur which commanded in one of my shippes, and

Captaine Verdier which was chiefe in the other, now ready to goe foorth,

began to descry certaine sayles at sea, whereof they aduertised mee with

diligence: whereupon I appointed to arme foorth a boate in good order to

goe and discrie and know what they were. I sent also to the Centinels,

which I caused to be kept on a little knappe, to cause certaine men to

climbe vp to the toppe of the highest trees the better to discouer them.

(M534) They descried the great boate of the shippes, which as yet they

could not perfectly discerne, which as farre as they could iudge, seemed

to chase my boate, which by this time was passed the barre of the riuer:

so that we could not possibly iudge whether they were enemies which would

haue caried her away with them: for it was too great a ken to iudge the

trueth thereof. Vpon this doubt I put my men in order and in such array as

though they had beene enemies: and in deede I had great occasion to

mistrust the same: for my boate came vnto their ship about two of the

clocke in the afternoone, and sent me no newes all that day long to put me

out of doubt who they should be. The next day in the morning about eight

or nine of the clocke I saw seuen boates (among which mine owne was one)

full of souldiers enter into the riuer, hauing euery man his harquebuze

and morion on his head, which marched all in battaile along the cliffes

where my centinels were, to whom they would make no kind of answere,

notwithstanding all the demandes that were made vnto them, insomuch as one

of my souldiers was constrained to bestowe a shot at them without doing

hurt neuerthelesse to any of them, by reason of the distance betweene him

and the boates. The report hereof being made vnto me, I placed each of my

men in his quarter, with full deliberation to defend ourselues, if they

had beene enemies, as in trueth we thought them to haue bene: likewise I

caused two small field pieces which I had left me, to be trimmed in such

sort, as if in approching to the Fort they had not cryed that it was

Captaine Ribault, I had not failed to haue discharged the same vpon them.

(M535) Afterward I vnderstoode that the cause why they entred in this

maner, proceeded of the false reports which had bene made vnto mine Lord

Admirall by those which were returned into France in the first shippes.

For they had put in his head, that I played the Lord and the King, and

that I would hardly suffer that any other saue my selfe should enter in

thither to gouerne there. (M536) Thus we see how the good name of the most

honest is oftentimes assayled by such, as hauing no meanes to win

themselues credit by vertuous and laudable endeauours, thinke by debasing

of other mens vertues to augment the feeble force of their faint courage,

which neuerthelesse is one of the most notable dangers which may happen in

a commonwealth, and chiefly among men of warre which are placed in

gouernment. For it is very hard yea vtterly vnpossible, that in gouerning

of a company of men gathered out of diuers places and sundry Nations, and

namely such as we know them to be in our warres, it is, I say, vnpossible

but there will be alwayes some of euil conditions and hard to be ruled,

which easily conceiue an hatred against him, which by admonitions and

light corrections endeauoureth to reduce them to the discipline of warre.

For they seeke nothing else, but for a small occasion grounded vpon a

light pretext to sound into the eares of great lords that which

mischieuously they haue contriued against those, whose execution of

iustice is odious vnto them. And albeit I will not place my selfe in the

ranke of great and renowmed Captaines, such as liued in times passed, yet

we may iudge by their examples, how hurtfull backbiters haue beene vnto

commonwealths. (M537) I will onely take Alcibiades for witnesse in the

commonwealth of the Athenians, which by this meane was cast into

banishment, whereupon his citizens felt the smart of an infinite number of

mischiefes: insomuch as in the end they were constrained to call him home

againe, and acknowledge at length the fault they had committed in

forgetting his good seruices, and rather beleeuing a false report, then

hauing had regard vnto so many of his notable exploits which in former

time hee had atchieued. But that I loose not my selfe in digressing so

farre in this my iustification, I will returne againe to my first course.

(M538) Being therfore aduertised that it was Captaine Ribault, I went

foorth of the Fort to goe to meete him, and to do him all the honour I

could by any means, I caused him to be welcommed with the artillery, and a

gentle volley of my shot whereunto he answered with his. Afterward being

come on shore and receiued honourably with ioy, I brought him to my

lodging, reioycing not a little because that in his company I knew a good

number of my friends, which I intreated in the best sorte that I was able,

with such victuall as I could get in the countrey, and that small store

which I had left me, with that which I had of the English Generall.

Howbeit I marueiled not a little when as all of them with one voyce began

to vtter vnto me these or the like speeches. My Captaine, we praise God

that we haue found you aliue, and chiefly because we know that the reports

which haue beene made of you are false. These speeches mooued me in such

sort, that I would needes out of hand know more, mistrusting some euill.

Wherefore hauing accosted Captaine Iohn Ribault, and going both of vs

aside together out of the Fort, he signified vnto me the charge which he

had, praying mee not to returne into France, but to stay with him my selfe

and my company, and assured me that he would make it well thought of at

home. Whereupon I replyed that out of this place I would do him all

seruice: that for the present I could not nor ought not to accept this

offer, since he was come for no other intent then to occupie the place

which I before possessed, that I could haue no credite to be there

commanded: that my friends would neuer like of it, and that he would

hardly giue me that counsaile, if in good earnest I should demand his

aduise therein. He made me answere that he would not command me, that we

should be companions, and that he would build another fortresse and that

he would leaue mine owne vnto me. This notwithstanding I fully aduertised

him that I could not receiue a greater comfort then the newes which he

brought me to returne into France: and farther that though I should stay

there, yet it must needes be that one of vs both was to command with title

of the Kings Lieutenant, that this could not well agree together: that I

had rather haue it cast in my teeth to be the poorest begger in the world,

then to be commanded in that place, where I had endured so much to

inhabite and plant there, if it were not by some great Lord or Knight of

the order: and that in these respects I prayed him very hartily to deliuer

me the letters which my Lord Admirall had written vnto me, which he

performed.

The contents of those letters were these.

(M539) Captaine Laudonniere, because some of them which are returned from

Florida speake indifferently of the Countrey, the King desireth your

presence, to the end, that according to your tryall, he may resolue to

bestow great cost thereon, or wholly to leaue it: and therefore I send

Captaine Iohn Ribault to bee gouernour there, to whom you shall deliuer

whatsoeuer you haue in charge, and informe him of all things you haue

discouered. And in a postscript of the letter was thus written. Thinke

not, that whereas I send for you, it is for any euill opinion or mistrust

that I haue of you, but that it is for your good and for your credit, and

assure your selfe that during my life you shall find me your good Master.

CHASTILLON.

(M540) Now after I had long discoursed with Captaine Ribault, Captaine la

Grange accosted mee, and told me of an infinite number of false reports

which had bene made of mee to my great hinderance: and among other things

he informed me, that my Lord Admirall tooke it very euill that I had

caried a woman with mee: likewise that some bodie had tolde him that I

went about to counterfeit the King, and to play the tyrant: that I was too

cruell vnto the men that went with mee: that I sought to be aduanced by

other meanes then by my Lord Admirall: and that I had written to many

Lords of the Court, which I ought not to haue done. (M541) Whereunto I

answered, that the woman was a poore chambermayd, which I had taken vp in

an Inne, to ouersee my houshold businesse, to looke to an infinite sort of

diuers beasts, as sheepe and poultrie which I caried ouer with me to store

the countrey withall: that it was not meete to put a man to attend this

businesse: likewise, considering the length of the time that I was to

abide there, mee thought it should not offend any body to take a woman

with me, aswell to help my souldiers in their sickenesses, as in mine

owne, whereinto I fell afterward. And how necessary her seruice was for

vs, ech one at that time might easily perceiue: That all my men thought so

well of her, that at one instant there were sixe or seuen which did demand

her of mee in mariage; as in very deede one of them had her after our

returne. Touching that which was sayd that I playd the King, these reports

were made, because I would not beare with any thing which was against the

duety of my charge, and the Kings seruice. Moreouer, that in such

enterprises it is necessary for a Gouernour to make himselfe knowen and

obeyed, for feare least euery body would become a master, perceiuing

themselues far from greater forces. And that if the tale-tellers called

this rigour, it rather proceeded of their disobedience, then of my nature

lesse subiect to cruelty then they were to rebellion. For the two last

points, that I had not written to any of the Lords of the Court but by the

aduice and commandement of my Lord Admirall, which willed me at my

departure to send part of such things as I should find in the countrey

vnto the Lords of the Counsel: to the end that being mooued by this meane,

they might deale with the Queene mother for the continuance of this

enterprise: that hauing bene so small time in the countrey, continually

hindred with building of fortresses, and vnlading of my ships, I was not

able to come by any newe or rare things to send them, wherupon I thought

it best to content them in the meane while with letters, vntill such time

as I might haue longer space to search out the Countrey, and might recouer

something to sende them: the distribution of which letters I meant not

otherwise but to referre to my Lord Admirals good pleasure: that if the

bearer had forgot himselfe so farre, as that he had broken the couering of

the letters, and presented them himselfe for hope of gaine, it was not my

commandement. And that I neuer honoured noble man so much, nor did to any

man more willing and faithfull seruice then to my Lord Admirall, nor euer

sought aduancement but by his meanes. You see how things passed for this

day. The next day the Indians came in from all parts, to know what people

these were: to whom I signified that this was he which in the yeere 1562.

arriued in this countrey, and erected the pillar which stood at the entrie

of the riuer. Some of them knew him: for in trueth he was easie to be

knowen by reason of the great bearde which he ware. He receiued many

presents of them which were of the villages neere adioyning, among whom

there were some that he had not yet forgotten. (M542) The kings Homoloa,

Serauahi, Alimacani, Malica, and Casti came to visit him and welcome him

with diuers gifts according to their manner. I aduertised them that hee

was sent thither by the king of France, to remaine there in my roome, and

that I was sent for. (M543) Then they demanded and prayed him, if it might

stand with his good pleasure, to cause the merchandise that hee had

brought with him to be deliuered them, and that in fewe daies they would

bring him to the mountaines of Apalatcy, whither they promised to conduct

me, and that in case they performed not their promise, that they were

content to be cut in pieces. In those mountaines, as they sayd, is found

redde copper, which they call in their language Sieroa Pira, which is as

much to say as red mettall, whereof I had a piece, which at the very

instant I shewed to Captaine Ribault, which caused his gold-finer to make

an assay thereof, which reported vnto him that it was perfect golde. About

the time of these conferences, commings and goings of the kings of the

countrey, being weakened with my former trauaile, and fallen into a

melancholy vpon the false reports that had bene made of mee, I fell into a

great continuall feuer, which held me eight or nine dayes: during which

time Captaine Ribault caused his victuals to be brought on shore, and

bestowed the most part thereof in the house which my lieutenant had built

about two hundred pases without the forte: (M544) which hee did to the

ende they might bee the better defended from the weather, and likewise to

the intent that the meale might bee neerer to the bake-house, which I had

built of purpose in that place, the better to auoide the danger of the

fire, as I sayd before. But loe howe oftentimes misfortune doth search and

pursue vs, euen then when we thinke to be at rest! loe see what happened

after that captaine Ribault had brought vp three of his small ships into

the riuer, which was the fourth of September! Sixe great Spanish ship

arriued in the rode, where foure of our greatest ships remained, which

cast anker, assuring our men of good amity. (M545) They asked how the

chiefe captaines of the enterprise did, and called them by all their names

and surnames. I report me to you if it could be otherwise but these men

before they went out of Spaine must needs be informed of the enterprise

and of those that were to execute the same. About the breake of day they

began to make toward our men: but our men which trusted them neuer a

deale, had hoysed their sayles by night, being ready to cut the strings

that tyed them. Wherefore perceiuing that this making toward our men of

the Spaniards was not to doe them any pleasure and knowing wel that their

furniture was too smal to make head against them, because that the most

part of their men were on shore, they cut their cables, left their ankers,

and set saile. The Spaniards seeing themselues discouered, lent them

certaine volleis of their great ordinance, made saile after them, and

chased them all day long: but our men got way of them still toward the

sea. And the Spaniards seeing they could not reach them, by reason that

the French ships were better of saile then theirs, and also because they

would not leaue the coast, turned backe and went on shore in the riuer

Seloy,(122) which we cal the riuer of Dolphines 8 or 10 leagues distant

from the place where we were. Our men therefore finding themselues better

of saile then they, followed them to discry what they did, which after

they had done, they returned vnto the riuer of May, where Captaine Ribault

hauing descried them, embarked himselfe in a great boat to know what newes

they had. Being at the entry of the riuer he met with the boat of captaine

Cousets ship, wherin there was a good number of men which made relation

vnto him of all the Spaniards doings: and how the great ship named the

Trinitie had kept the sea, and that she was not returned with them. They

told him moreouer that they had seen three Spanish ships enter into the

riuer of Dolphins, and the other three remained in the rode; farther that

they had put their souldiers, their victuals and munition on land. After

he vnderstood these newes hee returned to the fortresse, and came to my

chamber where I was sick, and there in the presence of the Captaines, La

Grange, S. Marie, Ottigny, Visty, Yonuille, and other gentlemen, he

propounded, that it was necessary for the kings seruice, to embarke

himselfe with all his forces, and with the three ships that were in the

rode to seeke the Spanish fleete, whereupon he asked our aduise. (M546) I

first replyed, and shewed vnto him the consequence of such an enterprise,

aduertising him among other things of the perilous flawes of windes that

rise on this coast, and that if it chanced that hee were driuen from the

shore, it would be very hard for him to recouer it againe, that in the

meane while they which should stay in the Forte should be in feare and

danger. The Captaines, Saint Marie, and La Grange declared vnto him

farther, that they thought it not good to put any such enterprise in

execution, that it was farre better to keepe the land, and do their best

indeuour to fortifie themselues: And that after that the Trinitie (which

was the principall ship) were returned, there would be much more

likelyhood to enterprise this voyage. (M547) This notwithstanding he

resolued to vndertake it, and that which more is, after he vnderstoode by

king Emola, one of our neighbours which arriued vpon the handling of these

matters, that the Spaniards in great numbers were gone on shore, which had

taken possession of the houses of Seloy, in the most part whereof they had

placed their Negroes, which they had brought to labour, and also lodged

themselues and had cast diuers trenches about them. Thus for the

considerations which he had, and doubting (as he might well doe) that the

Spanyards would encampe themselues there to molest vs, and in the ende to

chase vs out of the Countrey, he resolued and continued in his embarkment,

caused a Proclamation to be made, that all souldiers that were vnder his

charge should presently with their weapons embarke them, and that his two

ensignes should march: which was put in execution. He came into my

chamber, and prayed me to lend him my Lieuteuant, mine ensigne, and my

sergeant, and to let all my good souldiers, which I had, goe with him,

which I denied him, because my selfe being sicke, there was no man to stay

in the fort. Thereupon he answered me that I needed not to doubt at all,

and that he would returne the morrow after, that in the meane space

Monsieur de Lys should stay behind to looke to all things. Then I shewed

vnto him that he was chiefe in this Countrey, and that I for my part had

no further authoritie: that therefore hee would take good aduisement what

hee did, for feare least some inconuenience might ensue. Then he tolde me

that he could doe no lesse, then to continue this enterprise, and that in

the letter which he had receiued from my Lord Admirall, there was a

postcript, which hee shewed mee written in these wordes: (M548) Captain

Iohn Ribault, as I was enclosing vp this letter, I receiued a certaine

aduice, that Don Pedro Melendes departeth from Spaine to goe to the coast

of Newe France: see you that you suffer him not to encroch vpon you, no

more then he would that you should encroch vpon him. You see (quoth he)

the charge that I haue, and I leaue it vnto your selfe to iudge, if you

could do any lesse in this case, considering the certaine aduertisement

that we haue, that they are already on lande, and will inuade vs. This

stopped my mouth. Thus therefore confirmed or rather obstinate in this

enterprise, and hauing regard rather vnto his particular opinion then vnto

the aduertisements which I had giuen him, and the inconueniences of the

time whereof I had forewarned him, he embarked himselfe the eight of

September, and tooke mine ensigne and eight and thirtie of my men away

with him. I report mee to those that know what warres meane, if when an

ensigne marcheth, any souldier that hath any courage in him will stay

behind, to forsake his ensigne: Thus no man of commandement stayed behind

with mee, for ech one followed him as chiefe, in whose name straight after

his arriuall, all cries and proclamations were made. Captaine Grange,

which liked not very well of this enterprise, was vnto the tenth of the

month with mee and would not haue gone aborde, if it had not beene for the

instant requestes that Captaine Ribault made vnto him, which staid two

dayes in the rode attending vntill La Grange was come vnto him; who being

come abord, they set sayle altogether, and from that time forward I neuer

saw them more. (M549) The very day that he departed, which was the tenth

of September, there arose so great a tempest accompanied with such

stormes, that the Indians themselues assured me that it was the worst

weather that euer was seene on the coast: wherevpon two or three dayes

after, fearing least our shippes might be in some distresse, I sent for

Monsieur du Lys vnto mee, to take order to assemble the rest of our people

to declare vnto them what neede wee had to fortifie our selues: which was

done accordingly: and then I gaue them to vnderstand the necessity and

inconueniences whereinto we were like to fall, aswel by the absence of our

ships, as by the neernesse of the Spanyards, at whose hand we could looke

for no lesse then an open and sufficient proclaimed war, seeing that they

had taken land and fortified themselues so neere vnto us. And if any

misfortune were fallen vnto our men which were at Sea, we ought to make a

full account with ourselves that wee were to endure many great miseries,

being in so small number, and so many wayes afflicted as we were. (M550)

Thus euery one promised mee to take paines: and therefore considering that

their proportion of victuals was small and that so continuing, they would

not be able to doe any great worke, I augmented their allowance: although

that after the arriuall of Captaine Ribault my portion of victuals was

allotted vnto mee as vnto a common souldier, neither was I able to giue so

much as part of a bottell of wine to any man which deserued it: for I was

so farre from hauing meanes to doe so, that the Captaine himselfe tooke

two of my boates, wherein the rest of the meale was, which was left me of

the biscuits which I caused to bee made to returne into France: so that if

I should say that I receiued more fauour at the handes of the Englishmen,

beeing Strangers vnto mee, I should say but a trueth. (M551) Wee beganne

therefore to fortifie our selues and to repaire that which was broken

downe, principally toward the water side, where I caused three score foote

of trees to be planted, to repaire the Palissado with the plankes which I

caused to bee taken of the ship that I had builded. Neuerthelesse

notwithstanding all our diligence and truaille, wee were neuer able fully

to repaire it by reason of the stormes which commonly did vs so great

annoy, that wee could not finish our inclosure. (M552) Perceiuing myselfe

in such extremitie I tooke a muster of the men, which captaine Ribault had

left me, to see if there were any that wanted weapon: I found nine or

tenne whereof not past two or three had euer drawen sword out of the

scabbard, as I thinke. Let them which haue bene bold to say, that I had

men ynough left me, so that I had meanes to defend my selfe, giue eare a

little vnto mee, and if they haue eyes in their heads, let them see what

men I had. Of the nine there were foure but yong striplings, which serued

Captaine Ribault and kept his dogs, the fift was a cooke: among those that

were without the fort, and which were of the foresaid company of Captaine

Ribault, there was a Carpenter of threescore yeeres olde, one a Beere

brewer, one olde Crosse-bowe maker, two Shoomakers, and foure or fiue men

that had their wiues, a player on the virginals, two seruants of Monsieur

du Lys, one of Monsieur de Beauhaire, one of Monsieur de la Grange, and

about fourescore and fiue or sixe in all, counting aswel Lackeys as women

and children. Behold the goodly troupe so sufficient to defend themselues,

and so couragious as they haue esteemed them to be: and for my part I

leaue it to others consideration to imagine whether Captaine Ribault

woulde haue left them with me to haue borrowed my men, if they had bene

such. Those that were left me of mine owne company were about sixeteene or

seuenteene that coulde beare armes, and all of them poore and leane: the

rest were sicke and maymed in the conflict which my Lieutenant had against

Vtina. This view being taken, wee set our watches, whereof wee made two

Centinels, that the Souldiers might haue one night free. Then wee

bethought our selues of those which might bee most sufficient, among whome

wee choose two, one of whom was named Monsieur Saint Cler, and the other

Monsieur de la Vigne, to whom we deliuered candles and Lanterns to goe

round about the fort to viewe the watch because of the foule and foggie

weather. I deliuered them also a sandglasse or clocke, that the Centinels

might not be troubled more one then another. In the meane while I ceased

not, for all the foule weather nor my sickenesse which I had, to ouersee

the Corps de garde. The night betweene the nineteenth and twentieth of

September La Vigne kept watch with his company, wherein he vsed all

endeauour, although it rayned without ceasing. When the day was therefore

come, and that he saw that it rayned still worse then it did before, hee

pitied the Centinels so too moyled and wette: and thinking the Spanyardes

would not haue come in such a strange time, hee let them depart, and to

say the trueth, he went himselfe vnto his lodging. (M553) In the meane

while one which had something to doe without the fort, and my trumpet

which went vp vnto the rampart perceiued a troupe of Spanyards which came

downe from a little knappe. Where incontinently they beganne to cry

alarme, and the Trumpetter also: Which assoone as euer I vnderstoode,

foorthwith I issued out, with my target and sword in my hand, and gatte

mee into the middest of the Court, where I beganne to crie vpon my

souldiers. Some of them which were of the forward sort went toward the

breach, which was on the Southside, and where the munitions of the

artillerie lay, where they were repulsed and slaine. (M554) By the selfe

same place two ensignes entred, which immediately were planted on the

wals. Two other ensignes also entred on the other side toward the West,

where there was another breach: and those which were lodged in this

quarter, and which shewed themselues, were likewise defeated. (M555) And

as I went to succour them which were defending the breach on the southwest

side, I encountred by chance a great company of Spaniards, which had

already repulsed our men and were now entred, which draue me backe vnto

the court of the fort: being there I espied with them one called Francis

Iean, which was one of the Mariners which stole away my barks, and had

guided and conducted the Spanyards thither. Assoone as he sawe me, he

began to say, This is the Captaine. (M556) This troupe was led by a

captaine whose name as I thinke, was Don Pedro Melendes: these made

certain pushes at me with their pikes which lighted on my target. But

perceiuing that I was not able to withstand so great a company, and that

the court was already wonne, and their ensignes planted on the ramparts,

and that I had neuer a man about me, sauing one only whose name was

Bartholomew, I entred into the yard of my lodging, into which they

followed me, and had it not bene for a tent that was set vp, I had bin

taken: but the Spanyards which followed me were occupied in cutting of the

cordes of the tent, and in the meane while I saued my selfe by the (M557)

breach which was on the West side neere vnto my Lieutenants lodging, and

gate away into the woods: where I found certain of my men which were

escaped, of which number there were three or foure which were sore hurt.

Then spake I thus vnto them: Sirs, since it hath pleased God that this

mischance is happened vnto vs, we must needs take the paines to get ouer

the marshes vnto the ships which are at the mouth of the riuer. Some would

needs go to a little village which was in the woods, the rest followed me

through the reedes in the water, where being able to go no farther by

reason of my sicknesse which I had, I sent two of my men which were with

me, which could swim well, vnto the ships to aduertise them of that which

had happened, and to send them word to come and helpe me. They were not

able that day to get vnto the ships to certifie them thereof: so I was

constrained to stand in the water vp to the shoulders all that night long,

with one of my men which would neuer forsake me. (M558) The next morning,

being scarcely able to draw my breath any more, I betooke me to my prayers

with the souldier which was with mee, whose name was Iohn du Chemin: for I

felt my selfe so feeble, that I was afraid I should die suddenly: and in

trueth if he had not imbraced me in both his armes, and so held me vp, it

had not bene possible to saue me. After we had made an ende of our

prayers, I heard a voyce, which in my iudgement was one of theirs which I

had sent, which were ouer against the ships and called for the ship boat,

which was so in deed: and because those of the ships had vnderstanding of

the taking of the fort by one called Iohn de Hais, master Carpenter, which

fled vnto them in a shallop; (M559) they had set saile to run along the

coast to see if they might saue any: wherin doubtlesse they did very well

their endeuour. They went straight to the place where the two men were

which I had sent, and which called them. Assoone as they had receiued them

in and vnderstood where I was, they came and found me in a pitifull case.

Fiue or sixe of them tooke me and caried me into the shallop: for I was

not able by any means to go on foot. After I was brought into the shallop

some of the Mariners took their clothes from their backs to lend them me,

and would haue caried me presently to their ships to giue me a little Aqua

vitae. Howbeit I would not goe thither, vntill I had first gone with the

boat along the reeds, to seeke out the poore soules which were scattered

abroad, where we gathered vp 18 or 20 of them. (M560) The last that I took

in was the nephew of the Treasurer le Beau. After we were al come to the

ship, I comforted them as well as I could, and sent back the boat againe

with speed to see if they could find yet any more. (M561) Vpon her

returne, the Mariners told mee how that captaine Iames Ribault which was

in his ship about two muskets shot distant from the fort, had parled with

the Spaniards, and that Francis Iean came vnto his ship, where hee staied

a long space, whereat they greatly marueiled, considering hee was the

cause of this enterprise, how hee would let him escape. After I was come

into the ship called the Greyhound, captaine Iames Ribault and captaine

Valuot came to see me: and there we concluded to returne into France. Now

forasmuch as I found the ship vnfurnished of Captaine, Pilot, Master, and

Masters-mate, I gaue aduice to choose out one of the most able men among

al the mariners, and that by their owne voices. I tooke also sixe men out

of another small ship, which we had sunke because it wanted ballast and

could not be saued. Thus I increased the furniture of the ship wherein I

was myselfe embarked, and made one, which had bene Masters mate in the

foresaid small ship, Master of mine. (M562) And because I lacked a pilot,

I prayed Iames Ribault that he would grant me one of the foure men that he

had in his ship, which I should name vnto him, to serue me for a Pilot: he

promised to giue me them, which neuerthelesse he did not at the instant

when wee were ready to depart, notwithstanding all the speech I vsed to

him, in declaring that it was for the kings seruice. I was constrained to

leaue the ship behind me which I had bought of the English Captaine,

because I wanted men to bring her away. For captaine Iames Ribault had

taken away her furniture: I tooke away her ordinance onely, which was all

dismounted, whereof I gaue nine pieces to Iames Ribault to carie into

France, the other fiue I put into my ship. (M563) The 25 of September wee

set sailes to returne into France, and Captain Iames Ribault and I kept

company all that day and the next vntill three or foure a clock in the

afternoone: but because his ship was better at bowline then ours, he kept

him to the wind and left vs the same day. Thus we continued our voyage,

wherein we had marueilous flawes of wind. And about the eight and

twentieth of October in the morning at the breake of the day we discried

the Isle of Flores, one of the Açores, where immediatly vpon our

approching to the load we had a mightie gust of wind which came from the

Northeast, which caused vs to beare against it foure dayes: afterward the

wind came South and Southeast, and was alwayes variable. In all the time

of our passage we had none other foode sauing biscuit and water. About the

tenth or eleuenth of Nouember, after we had sailed a long time, and

supposing we were not farre from land, I caused my men to sound, where

they found threescore and fifteene fathoms water, whereat we all reioyced,

and praised God because we had sailed so prosperously. Immediatly after I

caused them to set saile again and so we continued our way: but forasmuch

as we had borne too much toward the Northeast we entred into Saint Georges

chanell, a place much feared of all Sailers, and whereas many ships are

cast away: But it was a faire gift of God that we entred in it when the

weather was cleare. We sailed all the night, supposing wee had bene shot

into the narrow Sea betweene England and France, and by the next day to

reach Diepe, but we were deceiued of our longing: for about two or three

of the clocke after midnight as I walked vpon the hatches, I descried land

round about me, whereat wee were astonied. Immediatly I caused them to

strike saile and sound: we found we had not vnder vs past 8 fathoms of

water, whereupon I commanded them to stay till breake of day: which being

come, and seeing my Mariners told me that they knew not this land, I

commanded them to approch vnto it. Being neere thereunto I made them cast

anker, and sent the boat on shore to vnderstand in what Countrey we were.

Word was brought me that we were in Wales a prouince of England. I went

incontinently on land, where after I had taken the ayre, a sicknesse tooke

mee whereof I thought I should haue dyed. (M564) In the meane while I

caused the ship to be brought into the bay of a small towne called

Swansey, where I found merchants of S. Malo, which lent me money,

wherewith I made certaine apparel for my selfe and part of my company that

was with me: and because there were no victuals in the ship, I bought two

Oxen, and salted them, and a tunne of Beere which I deliuered into his

hands which had charge of the ship, praying him to cary it into France,

which he promised me to doe: (M565) for mine owne part I purposed with my

men to passe by land, and after I had taken leaue of my Mariners, I

departed from Swansey, and came that night with my company to a place

called Morgan, where the Lord of the place, vnderstanding what I was,

stayed me with him for the space of 6 or 7 dayes, and at my departure

mooued with pitie to see me goe on foot, especially being so weake as I

was, gaue me a litle Hackny. (M566) Thus I passed on my iourney first to

Bristoll and then to London, where I went to doe my duty to Monsieur de

Foix, which for the present was the kings Ambassador, and holpe me with

mony in my necessitie. From thence I passed to Caleis, afterward to Paris,

where I was informed that the king was gone to Molins to soiourne there:

incontinently, and with all the hast I could possibly make, I gate me

thither with part of my company. (M567) Thus briefly you see the discourse

of all that happened in New France since the time it pleased the kings

Maiesty to send his subiects thither to discouer those parts. The

indifferent and vnpassionate readers may easily weigh the truth of my

doings, and be vpright iudges of the endeuour which I there vsed. For mine

owne part I wil not accuse nor excuse any: it sufficeth mee to haue

followed the trueth of the history, whereof many are able to beare

witnesse, which were there present. (M568) I will plainly say one thing,

That the long delay that Captaine Iohn Ribault vsed in his embarking, and

the 15. daies that he spent in rouing along the coast of Florida, before

he came to our fort Caroline, were the cause of the losse that we

susteined. For he discouered the coast the 14 of August, and spent the

time in going from riuer to riuer, which had bene sufficient for him to

haue discharged his ships in, and for me to haue embarked my selfe to

returne into France. I wote well that al that he did was vpon a good

intent: yet in mine opinion he should haue had more regard vnto his

charge, then to the deuises of his owne braine, which sometimes hee

printed in his head so deeply, that it was very hard to put them out:

which also turned to his vtter vndoing: for hee was no sooner departed

from vs, but a tempest tooke him, which in fine wrackt him vpon the coast,

where all his shippes were cast away, and he with much adoe escaped

drowning, to fall into their hands which cruelly massacred him and all his

company.

The fourth voyage of the Frenchmen into Florida, vnder the conduct of

Captaine Gourgues, in the yeere, 1567.

Captaine Gourgues a Gentleman borne in the Countrey neere Bourdeaux

incited with a desire of reuenge, to repaire the honour of his nation,

borowed of his friends and sold part of his owne goods to set forth and

furnish three ships of indifferent burthen with all things necessary,

hauing in them an hundred and fiftie souldiers, and fourescore chosen

Mariners vnder Captaine Cazenoue his lieutenant, and Francis Bourdelois

Master ouer the Mariners. He set forth the 22 of August 1567. And hauing

endured contrary winds and stormes for a season, at length hee arriued and

went on shore in the Isle of Cuba. From thence he passed to the Cape of

Saint Antony at the end of the Ile of Cuba, about two hundred leagues

distant from Florida, where the captaine disclosed vnto them his intention

which hitherto he had concealed from them, praying and exhorting them not

to leaue him being so neere the enemie, so well furnished, and in such a

cause: (M569) which they all sware vnto him, and that with such courage

that they would not stay the full Moone to passe the chanell of Bahama,

but speedily discouered Florida, where the Spanyards saluted them with two

Canon shot from their fort, supposing that they had beene of their nation;

and Gourgues saluted them againe to entertaine them in this errour that

hee might surprise them at more aduantage, yet sailing by them, and making

as though he went to some other place vntil he sailed out of sight of the

place, (M570) so that about euening, hee landed 15 leagues from the fort,

at the mouth of the Riuer Tacatacourou, which the Frenchmen called Seine,

because they thought it to bee like Seine in France. Afterward perceiuing

the shore to bee couered with Sauages with their bowes and arrowes,

(besides the signe of peace and amitie which he made them from his ships)

he sent his Trumpetter, to assure them, that they were come thither for

none other ende but to renew the amitie and ancient league of the French

with them. The Trumpetter did his message so well (by reason he had bene

there before vnder Laudonniere) that he brought backe from king

Satourioua, the greatest of all the other kings, a kidde and other meat to

refresh vs, besides the offer of his friendship and amitie. Afterward they

retired dansing in signe of ioy, to aduertise all the kings Satouriouaes

kinsmen to repaire thither the next day to make a league of amitie with

the Frenchmen. Whereupon in the meane space our generall went about to

sound the chanel of the riuer to bring in his ships, and the better to

traffike and deale with the Sauages, of whom the chief the next day in the

morning presented themselues, namely the great king Satourioua,

Tacatacourou, Halmacanir, Athore, Harpaha, Helmacapé, Helicopilé, Molloua,

and others his kinsmen and allies, with their accustomed weapons. Then

sent they to intreat the French generall to come on shore, which he caused

his men to do with their swords and harquebusies, which he made them leaue

behind, in token of mutuall assurance, leauing his men but their swords

only, after that the Sauages complaining thereof had left and likewise

sent away their weapons at the request of Gourgues. This done Satourioua

going to meet him, caused him to sit on his right hand in a seat of wood

of lentisque couered with mosse made of purpose like vnto his owne. Then

two of the company pulled vp the brambles and other weeds which were

before them, and after they had made the place very cleane, they all sate

round about them on the ground. (M571) Afterward Gourgues being about to

speake, Satourioua preuented him, declaring at large vnto him the

incredible wrongs, and continuall outrages that all the Sauages, their

wiues and children had receiued of the Spanyards since their comming into

the Countrey and massacring of the Frenchmen, with their continuall desire

if we would assist them throughly to reuenge so shame full a treason,

aswell as their owne priuate griefes, for the firme good will they alwayes

had borne vnto the Frenchmen. Whereupon Gourgues giuing them his faith,

and making a league betweene them and him with an othe gaue them certaine

presents of daggers, kniues, looking glasses, hatchets, rings, belles, and

such other things, trifles vnto vs, but precious vnto these kings: which

moreouer, seeing his great liberality, demanded eche one a shirt of him to

weaire onely on their festiuall dayes, and to be buried in at their death.

Which things after they had receiued, and Satourioua had giuen in

recompense to Captaine Gourgues two chaines of siluer graines which hung

about his necke, and ech of the kings certaine deere skinnes dressed after

their manner, they retired themselues dancing and very iocund, with

promise to keep all things secret, and to bring vnto the sayd place good

companies of their subiects all well armed to be auenged throughly on the

Spanyards. (M572) In the meane space Gourgues very narrowly examined Peter

de Bré borne in Newhauen, which being but a young stripling escaped out of

the fort into the woods while the Spanyards murdered the rest of the

French, and was afterward brought vp with Satourioua, which at that time

bestowed him on our generall, whose aduise stoode him in great steade:

Whereupon he sent to discouer the fort and the estate of the enemies by

certaine of his men, being guided by Olotacara Satouriouaes nephew which

hee had giuen him for this purpose and for assurance of Estampes a

gentleman of Cominges, and others which he sent to descry the state of the

enemies. (M573) Moreouer he gaue him a sonne of his starke naked as all of

them are, and his wife which he loued best of all the rest, of eighteene

yeeres olde, apparelled with the mosse of trees, which for 3 dayes space

were in the ships, vntill our men returned from discrying the state of the

enemie, and the kings had furnished their preparation at their rende-uous.

Their marching being concluded, and the Sauages rende-uous being appointed

them beyond the riuer Salincani, of our men called Somme, they all dranke

with great solemnitie their drinke called Cassine, made of the iuice of

certaine hearbs (as they are wont to do, when they go to any place of

danger,) which hath such force, that it taketh from them hunger and thirst

for 24 houres, and Gourgues was faine to make as though he dranke thereof

for company. Afterward they lift vp their handes and sware all that they

would neuer forsake him. Olotocara followed him with pike in hand. Being

all met at the riuer of Sarauahi, not without great trouble, by reason of

the raine and places full of water which they must needes passe, which

hindred their passage, they were distressed with famine finding nothing by

the way to eat, their bark of prouision being not arriued which was come

unto him from the ships, the ouersight and charge whereof he had left vnto

Burdelois with the rest of the Mariners. (M574) Now he had learned that

the number of the Spanyards were foure hundred strong, diuided into three

forts builded and flanked, and well fortified upon the riuer of May, the

great fort especially begunne by the French, and afterward repaired by

them: vpon the most dangerous and principall landing place whereof, two

leagues lower and neerer towarde the Riuers mouth, they had made two

smaller Forts, which were defended, the riuer passing betweene them, with

sixe score souldiers, good store of artillery and other munition, which

they had in the same. (M575) From Saracary vnto these smal forts was two

leagues space, which he found very painful, because of the bad waies and

continual raines. Afterward he departed from the riuer Catacouru with 10

shot, to view the first fort, and to assault it the next day in the

morning by the breake of day, which hee could not doe, because of the

foule weather, and darknesse of the night. King Helicopile seeing him out

of quiet in that he had failed of his purpose there, assured him to guide

him a more easie way, though it were further about. Insomuch as leading

him through the woods, he brought him within sight of the fort, where he

discerned one quarter which was but begun to bee entrenched. Thus after he

had sounded the small riuer that falleth downe thereby, hee stayed vntill

ten of the clock in the morning for an ebbe water, that his men might

passe ouer there, vnto a place where he had seene a litle groue between

the riuer and the fort (that he might not be seene to passe and set his

souldiers in array) causing them to fasten their flasks to their Morions,

and to hold vp their swords and kaliuers in their hands, for feare least

the water, which reached vp to their girdles, should not wet them: where

they found such abundance of great oysters, and shels which were so

sharpe, that many had their legs cut with them, and many others lost their

shoes. Notwithstanding assoone as they were passed ouer, with a French

courage they prepared themselues to the assault on the Sunday eue next

after Easter day, in April 1568. (M576) Insomuch that Gourgues to employ

the ardent heat of this good affection, gaue twenty shot to his Lieutenant

Cazenoue, and ten Mariners laden with pots and balles of wild fire to

burne the gate: and then he assaulted the Fort on another side, after he

had made a short speech vnto his men of the strange treasons which the

Spanyards had paid their companions. But being descried as they came

holding downe their heads within two hundred paces from the Fort, the

Gunner being vpon the terrace of the Fort, after he had cried, Arme, Arme,

these be French men, discharged twise vpon them a coluerine, wherein the

Armes of France were grauen, which had bin taken from Laudonniere. But as

he went about (M577) to charge it the third time, Olotocara, which had not

learned to keepe his ranke, or rather moued with rage, lept on the

platforme, and thrust him through the bodie with his pike and slew him.

Whereupon Gourgues aduanced forward, and after he had heard Cazenoue cry,

that the Spaniards which issued out armed at the cry of the alarme, were

fled, hee drew to that part, and so hemmed them in betweene him and his

Lieutenant, that of threescore there escaped not a man, sauing only

fifteene reserued vnto the same death which they had put the French vnto.

The Spanyards of the other fort in the meane while ceased not to play with

their ordinance, which much annoied the assailants: although to answere

them they had by this placed and oftentimes pointed the foure pieces found

in the first Fort. (M578) Whereupon Gourgues being accompanied with

fourescore shot went abord the barke which met him there to good purpose

to passe into the wood neere vnto the Fort, out of which he supposed the

Spanyards would issue to saue themselues thorow the benefit of the woods

in the great fort, which was not past one league distant from the same.

(M579) Afterward the Sauages not staying for the returne of the bark, lept

al into the water holding vp their bowes and arrowes in one hand, and

swimming with the other, so that the Spaniards seeing both the shores

couered with so great a number of men, thought to flee towards the woods:

but being charged by the French, and afterward repulsed by the Sauages,

toward whom they would haue retired, they were sooner then they would

bereft of their liues. (M580) To conclude they al there ended their dayes

sauing 15 of those which were reserued to be executed for the example of

others. Whereupon Captaine Gourgues hauing caused al that he found in the

second fort to be transported vnto the first, where he ment to strengthen

himselfe to take resolution against the great Fort, the state whereof hee

did not vnderstand: in fine a Sergeant of a band one of the prisoners

assured him that they might be there very neere 300 wel furnished vnder a

braue Gouernor, which had fortified there, attending farther succours.

(M581) Thus hauing obtained of him the platforme, the height, the

fortification and passages vnto it, and hauing prepared eight good

lathers, and raised all the Countrey against the Spanyard, that he neither

might haue newes, nor succours, nor retract on any side, he determined to

march forward. (M582) In the meane while the Gouernour sent a Spanyard

disguised like a Sauage to spie out the state of the French. And though he

were discouered by Olotocara, yet he vsed all the cunning he could

possibly to perswade them that he was one of the second fort, out of which

hauing escaped, and seeing none but sauages on euery side, he hoped more

in the Frenchmens then their mercy, vnto whom he came to yeeld himself

disguised like a sauage, for feare lest if he should haue bin knowen, he

should haue bin massacred by those Barbarians: but the spie being brought

face to face with the sergeant of the band, and conuicted to be one of the

great fort, was reserued vntil an other time: after that he had assured

Gourgues that the bruit was that he had 2000 Frenchmen with him for feare

of whom the 200 and threescore Spaniards which remained in the great fort,

were greatly astonied. Whereupon Gourgues being resolued to set vpon them,

while they were thus amazed, and leauing his Standard-bearer and a

Captaine with fifteene shot to keepe the Fort, and the entry of the Riuer,

he caused the Sauages to depart by night to lye in ambush within the woods

on both sides of the riuer, then he departed in the Morning, leading the

Sergeant and the spy fast bound along with him, to shew him that in deede,

which they had only made him vnderstand in paynting. As they marched

Olotocara a resolute Sauage which newer left the Captaine, said vnto him,

that he had serued him faithfully, and done whatsoeuer hee had commaunded

him, that he was assured to dye in the conflict at the great Fort, wherein

neuerthelesse he would not faile, though it were to saue his life: (M583)

but he prayed him to giue that vnto his wife, if hee escaped not, which he

had meant to be tow on him, that shee might bury the same with him, that

thereby hee might be better welcome vnto the village of the soules or

spirits departed. To whom Captaine Gourgues answered, after he had

commended his faithfull valour, the loue toward his wife, and his noble

care of immortall honour, that he desired rather to honour him aliue then

dead, and that by Gods helpe he would bring him home againe with victorie.

After the discouerie of the Fort, the Spaniards were no niggards of their

Canon shotte, nor of two double Coluerines, which being mounted vpon a

Bulwarke, commaunded all along the Riuer, (M584) which made captaine

Gorgues to get to the hill couered with wood, at the foot whereof the Fort

beginneth, and the forrest or wood continueth and stretcheth foorth beyond

it: so that he had sufficient couerture to approch thereunto without

offence. He purposed also to remaine there vntill the Morning, wherein hee

was resolued to assault the Spaniards by scalling their walles on the side

toward the hill, where the Trench seemed not sufficiently flanked for the

defence of the courtains, and from whence part of his men might draw them

that were besieged, which should shew themselues to defend the rampart

while the rest were comming vp. But the Gouernour hastened his vnhappie

destinie, causing threescore shotte to sallie foorth, which passing

through the Trenches, aduanced forward to descrye the number and valour of

the French, whereof twentie vnder the conduct of Cazanoue, getting

betweene the Fort and them which now were issued forth, cut off their

repassage, while Gourgues commanded the rest to charge them in the Front,

but not to discharge but neere at hand, and so that they might be sure to

hitte them, that afterward with more ease they might cut them in pieces

with their swordes. (M585) So that turning their backes assoone as they

were charged and compassed in by his Lieutenant, they remayned all slaine

vpon the place. Whereat the rest that were besieged were so astonied, that

they knew none other meane to saue their liues but by fleeing into the

Wooddes adioyning, where neuerthelesse being incountred againe by the

arrowes of the Sauages which lay in wayte there for them (whereof one

ranne through the target and body of a Spanyard, which therewithall fell

downe starke dead) some were constrayned to turne backe, choosing rather

to dye by the hand of the French, which pursued them: assuring themselues

that none of them coulde finde any fauour neyther with the one nor the

other Nation, whom they had alike and so out of measure cruelly intreated,

sauing those which were reserued to be an example for the time to come.

The Fort when it was taken, was found well prouided of all necessaries:

namely of fiue double Coluerines, and foure Mynions, with diuers other

small pieces of all sorts, and eighteene grosse cakes of gunne powder, all

sorts of weapons, which Gourgues caused with speede to be imbarked, sauing

the powder and other moueables, by reason it was all consumed with fire

through the negligence of a Sauage, which in seething of his fish, set

fire on a tunne of powder which was made and hidden by the Spanyardes, to

haue blasted the French at the first assault, thus blowing vp the store

house and the other houses buylt of Pine trees. The rest of the Spaniards

beeing led away prisoners with the others, after that the generall had

shewed them the wrong which they had done without occasion to all the

French Nation, were all hanged on the boughes of the same trees, whereon

the French hung: of which number fiue were hanged by one Spaniard, which

perceiuing himselfe in the like miserable estate, confessed his fault, and

the iust iudgement which God had brought vpon him. (M586) But in stead of

the writing which Pedro Melendes had hanged ouer them, imprinting these

words in Spanish, I doe not this as vnto French men, but as vnto

Lutherans, Gourgues caused to be imprinted with a searing iron in a table

of Firewood, I doe not this as vnto Spaniardes, nor as vnto Mariners, but

as vnto Traitors, Robbers, and Murtherers. Afterward considering he had

not enough to keep his Forts which he had wonne, much lesse to store them,

fearing also lest the Spaniard which hath Dominions neere adioyning should

renew his forces, or the Sauages should prevaile against the French men,

vnlesse his Maiestie would send thither, hee resolued to raze them. (M587)

And indeede, after he had assembled and in the ende perswaded all the

Sauage kings so to doe, they caused their subiects to runne thither with

such affection, that they ouerthrew all the three forts flatte euen with

the ground in one day. (M588) This done by Gourgues, that he might returne

to his Shippes which he had left in the Riuer of Seyne called

Tacatacourou, fifteene leagues distant from thence, he sent Cazenoue and

the artillery by water: afterward with fourescore harquebusiers, armed

with corslets, and matches light, followed with fortie Mariners bearing

pikes, by reason of the small confidence he was to haue in so many

Sauages, he marched by land alwayes in battell ray, finding the wayes

couered with Sauages, which came to honour him with presents and prayses,

as the deliuerer of all the countries round about adioyning. An old woman

among the rest sayd vnto him, that now she cared not any more to dye,

since she had seene the Frenchmen once againe in Florida, and the

Spaniards chased out. Briefly being arriued, and finding his ships set in

order, and euery thing ready to set sayle, hee counselled the kings to

continue in the amitie and ancient league which they had made with the

king of France, which would defend them against all Nations: which they

all promised, shedding teares because of his departure. Olocotara

especially: for appeasing of whom he promised them to returne within

twelue Moones, (so they count the yeeres) and that his king would send

them an army, and store of kniues for presents, and other things

necessary. (M589) So that after he had taken his leaue of them, and

assembled his men, he thanked God of all his successe since his setting

foorth, and prayed to him for an happy returne. (M590) The third of May

1568, all things were made ready, the Rendez-uous appoynted, and the

Ankers weighed to set sayle so prosperously, that in seuenteene dayes they

ranne eleuen hundred leagues: continuing which course they arriued at

Rochel the sixt of Iune, the foure and thirtieth day after their departure

from the Riuer of May, hauing lost but a small Pinnesse and eight men in

it, with a few gentlemen and others which were slaine in the assaulting of

the Forts. After the cheere and good intertainment which he receiued of

those of Rochel, hee sayled to Burdeaux to informe Monsieur Monluc of the

things aboue mentioned, albeit hee was aduertised of eighteene Pinnesses,

and a great Shippe of two hundred Tunnes full of Spanyardes, which being

assured of the defeat in Florida, and that he was at Rochel, came as farre

as Che-de-Bois, the same day that he departed thence, and followed him as

farre as Blay (but he was gotten already to Bordeaux) to make him yeeld

another account of his voyage, then that, wherewith hee made many

Frenchmen right glad. The Catholicke king being afterward informed that

Gourgues could not easily be taken, offered a great summe of money to him

that could bring him his head, praying moreover king Charles to doe

iustice on him as of the authour of so bloody an act contrary to their

alliance and good league of friendshippe. In so much as comming to Paris

to present himselfe vnto the King, to signifie vnto him the successe of

his Voyage, and the meanes which hee had to subdue this whole Countrey

vnto his obedience, (wherein hee offered to imploy his life, and all his

goods) hee found his entertainment and answere so contrary to his

expectation, that in fine hee was constrayned to hide himselfe a long

space in the Court of Roan, about the yeere 1570. And without the

assistance of President Marigny, in whose house he remained certayne

dayes, and of the Receiuer of Vacquieulx, which alwayes was his faithful

friend, hee had beene in great danger. Which grieued not a litle Dominique

de Gourgues, considering the services which hee had done aswell vnto him

as to his prdecessours kings of France. (M591) Hee was borne in Mount

Marsan in Guyenne, and imployed for the seruice of the most Christian

Kings in all the Armies made since these twentie fiue or thirty yeeres: at

last he had the charge and honour of a Captaine, which in a place neere

vnto Siene, with thirtie Souldyers sustayned the brunt of a part of the

Spanish Armie, by which beeing taken in the assault, and hauing all his

men cutte in pieces, hee was put into a Galley in token of the good warre

and singular fauour which the Spanyard is woont to shew vs. But as the

Galley was going toward Sicillie, beeing taken by the Turkeys, ledde away

to Rhodes, and thence to Constantinople, it was shortly afterwarde

recouered by Romeguas, commaunder ouer the Armie of Malta. By this meane

returning home, hee made a Voyage on the coast of Africa, whence hee tooke

his course to Bresil, and to the South Sea. At length beeing desirous to

repayre the honour of France, he set vpon Florida with such successe as

you haue heard. So that being become by his continuall warlike actions

both by Land and Sea no lesse valiant Captaine then skillfull Mariner, hee

hath made himselfe feared of the Spanyard, and acceptable vnto the Queene

of England for the desert of his vertues. To conclude, he dyed in the

yeere 1582, to the great griefe of such as knew him.

XXXVI. The relation of Pedro Morales a Spaniard, which sir Francis Drake

brought from Saint Augustines in Florida, where he had remayned sixe

yeeres, touching the state of those parts, taken from his mouth by Master

Richard Hakluyt 1586.

Three score leagues vp from the Northwest from Saint Helena are the

mountaines of the golde and Chrystall Mines, named Apalatci.

The riuer of Wateri is thirtie leagues from S. Helena Northward, which is

able to receiue any Fleete of ships of great burden.

Wateri and Caiowa are two kings, and two riuers to the North of Saint

Helena.

The Spaniards haue killed three hundred of the subiects of Potanou.

The greatest number of Spaniards that haue bene in Florida this sixe

yeeres, was three hundred, and now they were but two hundred in both the

Forts.

There is a great City sixteene or twentie dayes iourney from Saint Helena

Northwestward, which the Spaniards, call La grand Copal, which they thinke

to bee very rich and exceeding great and haue bene within the sight of it,

some of them.

They haue offered in generall to the King to take no wages at all of him,

if he will giue them leaue to discouer this citie, and the rich

mountaines, and the passage to a sea or mighty Lake which they heare to be

within foure and twenty dayes trauel from Saint Helena, which is in 32.

degrees of latitude: and is that riuer which the French called Port-royal.

He saith also that he hath seene a rich Diamond which was brought from the

mountaines that lye vp in the countrey Westward from S. Helena. These hils

seeme wholy to be the mountaines of Apalatci, whereof the Sauages

aduertised Laudonniere; and it may bee they are the hils of Chaunis

Temoatam, which Master Lane had aduertisement of.

XXXVII. The relation of Nicholas Burgoignon, aliâs Holy, whom sir Francis

Drake brought from Saint Augustine also in Florida, where he had remayned

sixe yeeres, in mine and Master Heriots hearing.

This Nicholas Burgoignon sayth, that betweene S. Augustine and S. Helen

there is a Casique whose name is Casicôla, which is lord of ten thousand

Indians, and another casique whose name is Dicasca, and another called

Touppekyn toward the North, and a fourth named Potanou toward the South,

and another called Moscita toward the South likewise. Besides these he

acknowledgth Oristou, Ahoia, Ahoiaue, Isamacon, alledged by the Spaniard.

He further affirmeth, that there is a citie Northwestward from S. Helenes

in the mountaines, which the Spaniards call La grand Copal, and is very

great and rich, and that in these mountains there is great store of

Christal, golde, and Rubies, and Diamonds: And that a Spaniard brought

from thence a Diamond which was worth fiue thousand crownes, which Pedro

Melendes the marques nephew to olde Pedro Melendes that slew Ribault, and

is now gouerner of Florida, weareth. He saith also, that to make passage

vnto these mountaines, it is needefull to haue store of Hatchets to giue

vnto the Indians, and store of Pickaxes to breake the mountaines, which

shine so bright in the day in some places, that they cannot behold them,

and therefore they trauell vnto them by night. Also corslets of Cotton,

which the Spanyards call Zecopitz, are necessary to bee had against the

arrowes of the Sauages.(123)

He say farther, that a Tunne of the sassafras of Florida is solde in

Spaine for sixtie ducates: and that they haue there great store of Turkie

cocks, of Beanes, of Peason, and that there are great store of pearles.

The things, as he reporteth, that the Floridians make most account of, are

red Cloth, or redde Cotton to make baudricks or gyrdles: copper, and

hatchets to cut withall.

The Spaniards haue all demaunded leaue at their owne costs, to discouer

these mountaines, which the King denyeth, for feare lest the English or

French would enter into the same action once knowen.

All the Spaniards would passe vp by the riuer of Saint Helena vnto the

mountaines of golde and Chrystall.

The Spaniards entring 50. leagues vp Saint Helena, found Indians wearing

golde rings at their nostrels and eares. They found also Oxen, but lesse

then ours.

Sixe leagues from Saint Helena toward the North, there is a poynt that

runneth farre into the sea, which is the marke to the Seamen to finde

Saint Helena and Waterin.

Waterin is a riuer fortie leagues distant Northward from Saint Helena,

where any fleete of great ships may ride safely. I take this riuer to be

that which we call Waren in Virginia, whither at Christmasse last 1585.

the Spaniards sent a barke with fortie men to discouer where we were

seated: in which barke was Nicholas Burgoignon the reporter of all these

things.

The Spaniards of S. Augustine haue slaine three hundred or the subjects of

Potanou. One Potassi is neighbour to Potanou. Oratina is he which the

French history calleth Olala Outina.

Calauai is another casique which they knowe.

XXXVIII. Virginia Richly Valued, by the Description of the Maine Land of

Florida, Her Next Neighbour: Out of the Foure Yeeres Continuall Trauell

and Discouuerie, For Aboue One Thousand Miles East and West, of Don

Ferdinando De Soto, and Sixe Hundred Able Men in his Companie.

Preface By Richard Hakluyt.